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An adoption order is made by the NSW Supreme Court, to legally transfer all parental rights and responsibilities, guardianship and custody from the child's birth parents (or anyone who has parental responsibility for the child) to the adoptive parents.

The Court must consider adoption to be in the 'best interests' of the child both in childhood and in later life to grant an adoption order. This means that they must consider adoption to be the better option in relation to the care of the child than any other legal action.

What is the effect of an adoption order?

Post-adoptive birth certificate

Once an adoption order is made, the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages issues a post-adoptive birth certificate for the child.

This certificate records the child's adoptive parents as if the child were born to them. It makes no reference to the child's birth parents unless one of them becomes the child's adoptive parent (as may occur in a step-parent adoption).

The original birth certificate with details of the child's birth parents can no longer be used for legal purposes.

In August 2020, the Adoption Legislation Amendment (Integrated Birth Certificates) Bill 2020 was introduced to NSW parliament. The Bill introduces Integrated Birth Certificates (IBCs) to NSW.

An IBC is a new form of birth certificate that includes information about an adopted person's parents and siblings at birth, as well as their parents and siblings after adoption. DCJ view this change as a positive reflection of contemporary open adoption practice.

Given that the legislation is yet to be enacted, limited information about the changes is available at this time. Please refer to the Introducing Integrated Birth Certificates Fact Sheet, for further details.

Should you have any questions, you are encouraged to speak with a staff member at Adoption and Permanency Services, by contacting the Open Adoption Hotline on 1800 003 227, or you can submit an online enquiry here.

Access and contact

Open adoption encourages that, wherever possible, an adopted child is connected to their birth family and cultural heritage.

An Adoption Plan is a written document that sets out an agreement between the people involved in an adoption about:

how contact with members of the child's birth family will occur to provide opportunities to build relationships

how information will be shared between the birth family and adoptive family

how the child will be supported to develop a healthy and positive cultural identity and foster links with their heritage.

Your registered Adoption Plan can be reviewed by the Supreme Court if the arrangements are no longer suitable and you cannot reach an agreement with the birth parents about contact.

Inheritance

When an adoption order is made, the child automatically has a right to inheritance from their adoptive parents. However, the child loses the right to inherit from members of their birth family unless the child is specifically mentioned in their will.

Inheritance matters should be discussed with a solicitor.

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What happens when an adoption order is made

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Information about adoption orders issued by the NSW Supreme Court, including changes to the child's birth certificate, adoption plans, and access and contact with the child's birth parents.

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This was published 7 years ago

By Rachel Browne and Social Affairs editor

Updated first published

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Sydney doctor Shane Woods had always wanted to start a family but it was only when he met architect Scott Koopman, the idea began to take shape.

The couple, who married in the US in 2008 and are both American citizens, considered all their options before deciding to engage a surrogacy agency based in California where they welcomed their twins last year.

"It went from being a lifelong dream to a reality," Dr Woods said. "They are both thriving and just the loves of our lives. They are just the most wonderful gift."

While the Woollahra general practitioner and his architect partner are relishing raising the baby boy and girl, who turn one in June, they are concerned about the limited options for Australians interested in surrogacy.

Dr Shane Woods and his partner Scott Koopman with their twins, born via surrogate.

A Federal Government review of Australian surrogacy legislation handed down a recommendation in May that commercial surrogacy remain illegal but called for the Attorney-General to request an inquiry to state and territory laws, with the option of developing a national approach to altruistic surrogacy.

Californian legislation is favourable to surrogacy, with Mr Koopman, arguing Australia could adopt a similar framework.

"It's a cop out to give this blanket statement that Australia should not consider commercial surrogacy," he said. "We talk about how it should be well-regulated and protective of all parties, yet we seem too scared to actually write those regulations."

Sam Everingham, director of Australian support network Families Through Surrogacy, said Australian legislation needed an overhaul, with consideration given to commercial surrogacy .

Figures compiled by Families Through Surrogacy show there were only 35 babies born through altruistic surrogacy arrangements in Australia in 2013.

Families Through Surrogacy estimates there were more than 400 overseas surrogate births to Australians last year, including about 135 from Thailand and 70 from the US.

New restrictions introduced in Thailand in the wake of the Baby Gammy case have resulted in an increase in surrogate births in the US, where a surrogacy arrangement can cost up to $200,000, or using less expensive but riskier services in countries such as Cambodia and Laos.

Families Through Surrogacy is hosting an international conference in Brisbane in June, to educate intended parents or potential surrogates about the legal and ethical issues surrounding the process.

"It's in no-one's best interests to enter surrogacy arrangements without a clear understanding of the issues," conference chairman Karen Mills said.

Mr Everingham said many Australian couples would like to use a local surrogate but are uncomfortable with not being able to legally compensate them.

"There are very few altruistic surrogates in Australia," he said.

"It's hard to attract them unless we feel as if we are compensating them for the work they are doing. There has been a lot of reluctance among Australians to consider pregnancy as work."

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Australian surrogacy laws need reform, say advocates

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Shane Woods and Scott Koopman have good reason to consider themselves one of the luckiest couples in Sydney.

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This case was heard before Stevenson J in March 2021. The Applicants were Mr Seto and Ms Yue, and the Respondents were Ms Poon and Mr Zhu (husband and wife). The proceedings were referred to the Commissioner of Police for NSW due to apparent breaches of s8 of the Surrogacy Act 2010 (NSW)
Background:
Mr Seto and Ms Yue (Applicants) were born overseas, and independently migrated to Australia. They married in 2019. They underwent five unsuccessful IVF treatments. In 2015, Ms Yue met Ms Poon.

Applicant Ms Yue and Respondent Ms Poon negotiated a surrogacy arrangement. While they were close friends, the arrangement held strong commercial elements. The arrangement was that Ms Poon would act as a surrogate, in exchange for assistance in obtaining Australian residence, as she would be able to obtain a s143 visa if she gave birth to the child of an Australian citizen.

In June 2020, the couples entered into a further agreement titled "Agreement on Renunciation of Guardianship", which provided that Ms Poon would give up custody of the children provided that Mr Seto paid IVF and medical costs, a $7000 deposit, $4500 towards her tuition fees, and $50,000 paid periodically throughout the pregnancy to assist with her immigration application, as well as half of any costs over $100,000 and acting as the financial guarantor of this application.

In August 2020, Ms Poon communicated that she no longer needed Australian residency, as a new law allowed Hong Kong residents access to a five year temporary visa pathway with potential for permanent residency. It was deposed that following this, the Respondents began to demand more money, and the Applicants paid a further $30,000.

Twin children named W and Z were born in late 2020. The biological parents of these children were Applicant Mr Seto, and Respondent Ms Poon. The Respondents demanded more money, and the Applicant's paid a further $30,000. In January 2021, the lawyer for the Respondents sent a letter to the Applicants demanding payment of $290,000 within 7 days.
Proceedings:
The Applicants commenced proceedings in February 2021. Interim orders placed the children on the Family Law Watch List, and allowed the Applicants to spend time with the children from 6:00pm to 8:00pm daily. The Respondents never filed a Response, and whilst they appeared in person at several Court events, they ultimately filed a Notice of Discontinuance.
The Parentage of the Children
The Court accepted Ms Poon and Ms Seto to be the biological parents of the children. In determining legal parentage, they considered s60H(1) and 60G of the Family Law Act allowing for a range of persons to qualify as a parent of a child born of artificial conception procedures.

Mr Zhu was excluded, as section 60H(1) was found not to apply. Mr Zhu could not be considered the 'other intended parent', as he was not intended to be a parent at any stage, and entered into the agreement for personal financial gain. It was found that all four parties held a common view that Mr Seto was the intended parent of the children.

The legal parentage of Mr Seto was determined with consideration of the principles in Masson v Parsons [2019] HCA 21, as he was found to be the parent of the children within the ordinary Australian meaning of the term. This was because he is their biological father and all four parties intended that he fulfil that role, he provided financial support to the children from the time of their birth, he spent as much time with the children as permitted from their birth, he fulfilled the role of full time parent of the children and assumed all associated responsibilities and duties, and the children lived in the full time care of he and his wife from March 2021.
The Best Interests of the Children
The Court deemed it to be in the best interests of the children that they continue living with the Applicants, and that the Applicants have equal shared parental responsibility. Mr Seto was declared to be the father of the children. No orders were made for time to be spent with the Respondents.

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An important case addressing surrogacy in NSW | O'Sullivan Legal

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Seto & Poon [2021] FamCA 288 This case was heard before Stevenson J in March 2021. The Applicants were Mr Seto and Ms Yue, and the Respondents were Ms Poon and Mr Zhu (husband and wife).

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Carers of people with dementia (links to GIC - Aged too)

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Carers of people with dementia (links to GIC - Aged too)

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Dementia in Australia, Carers of people with dementia - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Dementia is a significant and growing health and aged care issue in Australia that has a substantial impact on the health and quality of life of people with the condition, as well as for their...

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Excellent info on Adoption in Aus and the reasons for trends

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Excellent info on Adoption in Aus and the reasons for trends

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Adoptions - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Adoption is one option used to provide permanent care for children not able to live with their families. It is a process where full parental rights and responsibilities for a child are legally...

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander - harmful effects of discrimination on this group, community organisation raising awareness about the group

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander - harmful effects of discrimination on this group, community organisation raising awareness about the group

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Beyond Blue's Invisible Discriminator campaign highlights the impact of racism on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This campaign encourages everyone in Australia to do something about his or her behaviour. You can change this today.

Here is why the campaign is so important:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are nearly three times more likely to be psychologically distressed than other Australians and twice as likely to die by suicide³

There is a ‘dose’ effect: the risk of high or very high levels of psychological distress increases as the volume of racism increases⁴

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Subtle or 'casual' racism can be just as harmful as more obvious forms. Imagine not getting a job because of the way you look. How would you feel if you were watched in a shop or someone didn't want to sit next to you on the bus?

Beyond Blue's Invisible Discriminator campaign highlights the impact of racism on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This campaign encourages everyone in Australia to do something about his or her behaviour. You can change this today.

Why the campaign?

Research has shown that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience racism it impacts their mental health, putting them at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety substance use and attempted suicide.

Just over one third of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over felt that they had been treated unfairly at least once in the previous 12 months, because they were of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin, while detailed local-area research has found that up to four out of five Indigenous people regularly experience racism.

Here is why the campaign is so important:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are nearly three times more likely to be psychologically distressed than other Australians and twice as likely to die by suicide

There is a 'dose' effect: the risk of high or very high levels of psychological distress increases as the volume of racism increases

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how does racism affect aboriginal and torres strait islander people

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Subtle or 'casual' racism can be just as harmful as more obvious forms. Imagine not getting a job because of the way you look. How would you feel if you were watched in a shop or someone didn't want to sit next to you on the bus?

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Parental responsibility and rights, parenting and baby care tips, Raising Them Strong, leaving kids home alone, and how to keep children safe

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COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS - (Cat B- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

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COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS - (Cat B- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

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COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS - (Cat B- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) Indigenous organisations and community groups - Inner West Council

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Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation

Servicing the Sutherland, St George, Inner West and South East Sydney areas, the service is both a CHSP (Aged Care) and NDIS Provider.

As part of these services there is a Ladies' Group and Men's Group that runs weekly for clients. This is particularly important for them with the social isolation they are feeling due to Covid.

Gooboora Men's Group

The Gooboora Men's Group is a Social Support group run through Kurranulla weekly on Wednesdays.

Gooboora Men's Group brings together Aboriginal men to avoid social isolation and participate in a range of activities such as; Fishing, BBQ'S, Cultural Outings, attending Movies and Football Games. Gooboora men's group also have regular health and wellbeing activities.

Yanadi Women's Group

Yanadi Women's Group is a Social Support group run through Kurranulla.

The Yanadi Women's Group meets weekly on Fridays and brings together Aboriginal women to participate in a range of activities such as; Arts and Crafts, Candle Making, Traditional Weaving, Jewellery making and much more.

Yanadi Women's Group have regular health and wellbeing activities also

Inner West Aboriginal Workers Circle (IWAWC)

The system of local government in New South Wales as set out in the Local Government Act provides for governed bodies of councils that are democratically elected. Councils make decisions through local democracy processes which are both representative and participatory.
Contact: Katrina Ross
Email: katrossconsultancy@gmail.com

The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lands Council (MLALC)

The MLALC is a formal stakeholder that council staff are encouraged to provide engagement and collaboration opportunities to. The MLALC are based in Redfern however the Inner West LGA is within the catchment of their service provision.
Contact: CEO, Nathan Moran
Email: metrolalc@metrolalc.org.au

The Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. is a non for profit Aboriginal organisation that provides advice on all matters relevant to education and training with the mandate that this advice represents the Aboriginal community viewpoint.
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. promotes respect, empowerment and self-determination and believes the process of collaborative consultation is integral to equal partnership and is fundamental to the achievement of equality.
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. advocates cultural affirmation, integrity and the pursuit of equality to ensure that the unique and diverse identity of Aboriginal students is recognised and valued.
Contact: AECG website

ABSEC

The Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec) is a not-for-profit incorporated community organisation. The organisation is primarily funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services and is recognised as the peak NSW Aboriginal organisation providing child protection and out-of-home care policy advice on issues affecting Aboriginal children, young people, families and carers.
Address: 21 Carrington Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: (02) 9559 5299
Email: admin@absec.org.au

Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS)

The Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) was set up in July 1971 to provide free medical support to Aboriginal people living in Sydney. It was the first Aboriginal community-run medical service in Australia, and had a holistic approach to health care from the outset.
Its formation was a response to health issues among Aboriginal people newly migrated from regional NSW, many of whom were living in overcrowded conditions and experienced poor nutrition. There was no universal health care scheme at this time, and some were reluctant to access mainstream medical services.
Address: 36 Turner Street Redfern NSW 2016
Postal address: PO Box 1174, Strawberry Hills 2012
Phone: (02) 9319 5823
Fax: (02) 9319 3345

Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS)

The ALS is a proud Aboriginal community organisation. We opened our doors in 1970 in Redfern as the first Aboriginal Legal Service in Australia - that makes us over 40 years old! The ALS does legal work in Criminal law, children's Care and Protection law and Family law. We assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children through representation in court, advice and information, and referral to further support services.
Address: 199 Regent St Redfern, NSW 2016
Post: PO Box 2257 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Phone: (02) 8303 6600
Fax: (02) 8303 6601
Email: redfern@alsnswact.org.au

Koori Mail

Koori Mail is a fortnightly national newspaper reporting on the issues that matter to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We give Indigenous Australians a voice missing in the mainstream media.

The Koori Mail is and has always been 100% Aboriginal owned. We're a proprietary limited company based in Lismore, northern NSW, wholly owned by five Bundjalung Aboriginal community organisations: Bundjalung Tribal Society at Lismore; Bunjum Co-operative at Cabbage Tree Island; Buyinbin Co-operative at Casino; Kurrachee Cooperative at Coraki; and Nungera Co-operative at Maclean.

Postal address: Koori Mail, PO Box 117, Lismore NSW 2480
Accounts: accounts@koorimail.com
Editorial: editor@koorimail.com
Advertising: advertising@koorimail.com
Website: www.koorimail.com
Phone: 02 6622 2666
Fax: 02 6622 2600

Koori Radio

Gadigal Information Service (GIS) is a leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts/media hub based in Redfern, Sydney. Established in 1993. GIS is the home of Indigenous community radio station Koori Radio, which broadcasts 24/7 to the Greater Sydney region on 93.7fm and simulcasts Digitally on DAB+, with live streaming via the internet to the world here.

Koori Radio has a 'Live and Deadly' cultural mix of Australian/International Indigenous and black music combined with talkback, news, current affairs, chat and community information. Currently it produces five weekly programs broadcast nationally through community and Indigenous networks as well as national live broadcasts of major Indigenous events. It has an award-winning team of professional and volunteer broadcasters from a wide variety of backgrounds.

GIS plays a leading role in developing and promoting the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians, broadcasters, singers and songwriters. Its Young, Black & Deadly workshops support the creative aspirations of under-18s in performance and radio broadcasting.

Phone: (02) 9384 4000
Address: 27 Cope Street Redfern NSW 2016

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Indigenous organisations and community groups

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Servicing the Sutherland, St George, Inner West and South East Sydney areas, the service is both a CHSP (Aged Care) and NDIS Provider. As part of these services there is a Ladies' Group and Men's Group that runs weekly for clients. This is particularly important for them with the social isolation they are feeling due to Covid.

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Review these for Workplace structures and how they support rights and responsibilities (with links to Wellbeing!) 

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Review these for Workplace structures and how they support rights and responsibilities (with links to Wellbeing!) 

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Workplace Structures =
(Leave Work To Find Wild Love)
Legislation, eg health and safety, equal employment opportunity (L)
Work conditions, eg awards, grievance procedures (W)
Trade unions (T)
Flexible work patterns and practices, eg job share, flexible work arrangements (F)
Workplace culture, eg childcare, prayer room, kitchen (W)
Leave entitlements, eg parental, carers
Legislation, eg health and safety, equal employment opportunity Equal Employment Opportunity Work conditions, eg awards, grievance procedures Flexible work patterns and practices, eg job share, flexible work arrangements Workplace culture, eg childcare, prayer room, kitchen Leave entitlements, eg parental, carers

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Workplace Structures = (Leave Work To Find Wild Love) Legislation, eg health and safety, equal employment opportunity (L) Work conditions, eg awards, grievance procedures (W) Trade unions (T) Flexible work patterns and practices, eg job share, flexible work arrangements (F) Workplace culture, eg childcare, prayer room, kitchen (W) Leave entitlements, eg parental, carers Legislation, eg health and safety, equal employment opportunity Equal Employment Opportunity Work conditions, eg awards, grievance procedures Flexible work patterns and practices, eg job share, flexible work arrangements Workplace culture, eg childcare, prayer room, kitchen Leave entitlements, eg parental, carers

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Reasons for work!! Value more important to young people rather than money 💕 https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/school-leavers-put-passion-before-jobs-when-choosing-what-to-study-20220524-p5ao1d?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nc&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0W05cY63aKgdsEBlbHd7lQ-oT7LINFW1ikjlcIgQp58z8qQINKV4WlAw0&fs=e&s=cl#Echobox=1653380695

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CAFS Exam Workbook - How to practise and prepare for each section of the exam

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CAFS Exam Workbook - How to practise and prepare for each section of the exam

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FREE HSC Study Series beginning May 19th if you are interested

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FREE HSC Study Series beginning May 19th if you are interested

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Increase your HSC exam results with these study methods

Learn faster

Have a social life

Perform in exams

increase your results

I am sharing a 3-part on demand video series on the most effective ways to study. These methods will transform how you study helping you to learn more in less time and increase your performance in exams.

They could literally change your life.

This series is for any student in stage 6 who is looking to increase their exam results and is presented by me, Dan Jackson founder of pdhpe.net.

Join me and let's maximise your study together!

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Learn faster Have a social life Perform in exams increase your results I am sharing a 3-part on demand video series on the most effective ways to study. These methods will transform how you study helping you to learn more in less time and increase your performance in exams. They could literally change your life.

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READ THIS - Such a good point about issues affecting access to services!

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READ THIS - Such a good point about issues affecting access to services!

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How to be disabled 'right':

Always use a mobility aid.

Live with your family.

Be unemployed.

Don't attend university.

Dedicate your time to curing yourself with yoga, turmeric shots, and a strict vitamin regime.

And, despite all your devastating challenges, push through and do the inspiring work of grocery shopping.

Also, it really helps if you are white, thin, male, and straight. Makes you even more inspiring and way less likely to be faking it.

I am disabled 'wrong'.

I use my wheelchair casually. I live in a sharehouse with mates. I work in a professional field and study law. I do not do yoga or drink turmeric shots, and the only pills regime I'm committed to is the one prescribed by my doctors. All of this is worsened by the fact that I'm a queer woman of colour who isn't a size 8.

I've been living with a chronic illness since the age of ten, and it took me nearly a decade to identify as disabled. Those of us who are disabled 'wrong' have all these arbitrary measures to convince ourselves that we aren't 'properly' disabled. For me, the measure has often been that I can work.

But I wanted to see what it's like for others, so I made a call out on my Instagram for disabled folk to share their experiences about what it means for them to be disabled 'wrong.' The responses I received were diverse but also spoke to many of the common anxieties and hopes we share as a community.

For my friend Cynthia, it has been that she can carry a bag, (mostly) walk on two feet, and attend dance training. For Carla, it has been the fact that some days her pain doesn't control her every move: she goes to theatre rehearsals or uni without flaring, or needing pain meds. We can't always do these things. But even on the days we can, we are still disabled.

Society imagines disability as black and white - you either are disabled, or you're not. However, this doesn't reflect our experiences. My friend Monica says people assume "disability is a dichotomy of entirely functional versus entirely dysfunctional, rather than being a dynamic thing that interacts with all the other aspects of a person's life." Our 'disabledness' is judged not only by what we accept for ourselves, but how the communities and people in our lives choose to recognise us and listen to us when we assert who we are.

The government's exclusive approach to disability

Our right as disabled people to control our own lives has been codified in the Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD), but according to the government, myself and countless other disabled Australians do not get the protections the CRPD provides. Under the government's pathologizing standards, I am not disabled. I can work. I attend allied health appointments, which apparently proves I can be "cured". Some days I can even cook my own meals.

I am not just disabled wrong to society, I am disabled wrong to the institutions that are supposed to help me live a full life. I've been rejected from the NDIS, which means I've sourced all my assistive technology from Facebook marketplace, and I spend 40 per cent of my income on health expenses.

24-year-old woman Jordyn echoes what I heard from a dozen different disabled people that spoke to me; an exasperation about not even bothering to apply for the disability pension or NDIS because they've "chosen to save [themselves] the heartache and dehumanisation."

I haven't just experienced this myself, I've seen it among countless other people in my work as a disability advocate. Every day I hear stories from people who are frustrated by the paperwork, who feel insecure and fearful about navigating the system. 28-year-old woman Tabitha told me about the "hostility" she feels "from the government towards disabled people" with every process created to be so difficult that people give up.

The danger of being disabled 'wrong'

Being disabled 'wrong' isn't just invalidating, dehumanising, or a barrier to access. It can be dangerous. I've had strangers push me against walls, and yell at me when I park in disability spots and leave the car without a mobility aid. I've had countless friends skip meals or life-saving medications because they had no one to help them get up from their bed while their housemates, family or partners were at work.

38-year-old woman Rachel was denied access to disability accommodations when she was applying for emergency accommodation to flee domestic violence because the Department of Communities and Justice didn't believe she was really disabled, which left her living with her abuser for months after she sought help.

Our experiences aren't homogenous. I had dozens of disabled people reach out to me when I called for contributions and one article isn't enough to fully explore all the nuances of our experiences. From the racism that marks the disabled community, to how assigned gender affects the diagnosis of psychosocial disabilities, to the countless disabled women who have nearly died in emergency departments because their pain wasn't taken seriously.

People shared deeply honest responses and used energy they don't have in spades, in the hopes they will be seen by a world that too often ignores us.

So, what needs to change?

It isn't just about symbolic recognition; we need material change. We need financial support so that we don't have to decide whether to pay for treatment or rent, we need reform to the NDIS's eligibility criteria so we can afford in-homecare and live independently. The government needs to understand we are not dispensable.

At the end of an especially difficult child protection mediation I was supporting an Indigenous, disabled mother through, she turned to me and said "I wish they [the Department of Communities and Justice] trusted me to take care of my kid the way I trust myself." Disabled people want to be trusted and supported when we ask for help and to be able to make decisions about our own lives.

As we mark International Day of People with Disability, I want those in power to trust us to be the experts on disability. Trust us to have the answers for fairer policies that involve us. Trust us to be the controller of our own lives.
Danielle Santos is a 24-year-old woman living on Gadigal land in Redfern. She has worked in disability advocacy and research for the past six years while completing a Bachelor of Laws/Social Research and Policy at UNSW.

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In Australia, there's two types of disabled people. Those who fit the government's narrow criteria, and those like me

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How to be disabled 'right': Always use a mobility aid. Live with your family. Be unemployed. Don't attend university. Dedicate your time to curing yourself with yoga, turmeric shots, and a strict vitamin regime. And, despite all your devastating challenges, push through and do the inspiring work of grocery shopping.

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What is the adoption process in Australia and why don't more children get adopted? - ABC Everyday

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Asking people who want kids why they don't "just adopt" is a common refrain but actual adoption in Australia isn't all that common.

Just 334 adoptions were finalised in 2019-20.

So why don't more adoptions happen and what's really involved in the process?

Why are there so few adoptions in Australia?

There are a few reasons for this and we have to look at the three types of adoption to understand why.

Local adoption is probably what you think of when you hear the word "adoption". This is the adoption of children not known to their adoptive parents.

Known-child adoption means the child is already known to their adoptive parents (think foster carers or relatives).

And then there's intercountry adoption, i.e.the adoption of children from overseas.

Known-child adoptions are rising but the other two are going down.

Intercountry adoption has decreased since the 1990s because of ethical concerns. To give you a sense of how few of these happen, only 37 intercountry adoptions were finalised in 2019-20.

"And local adoption has declined because we live in a different culture now compared to when there was forced adoption," explains Renee Carter, chief executive of Adopt Change.

"There isn't the stigma that used to exist around being a single mother. There aren't as many people choosing to place a child into adoption."

Just 48 local adoptions were completed in 2019-20.

"Meanwhile, a number of states have been introducing legislation so that there's a timeframe of two years for having permanency plans, such as adoption, in place for children in care who can't return home," Ms Carter says.

"So there's been an increase in [known-child adoption because] carers who have had kids in their care for years [have been] formalising that through adoption."

Who can adopt?

The laws and requirements around adoption and who's allowed to adopt vary across Australia and based on adoption type.

If you'd like specific information tailored to your state or territory, check out the relevant government websites below:

Generally speaking, a prospective adoptive parent needs to be an adult who is "available and able to provide for the child until they turn 18," says Kay Berry, Barnardos Australia's head of adoptions.

This means they need to be in reasonable health, and must undergo police and working with children checks.

Upper age limits are generally less of a barrier these days; in 2019-20, 44 per cent of local adoptive parents were 40 and over.

"And it's even higher for known-child adoptions, so that is a shift, even looking back a few years ago," Ms Carter says.

But if you're looking at intercountry adoptions, age limits for prospective adoptive parents vary depending on the country you're looking to adopt from.

The acceptance of single adoptive parents depends on the place you're adopting from and on the individual case. This applies to both intercountry adoptions and adoptions from within Australia.

Other important things to think about

Before you begin the actual application process, experts say you should think about your motivation for adopting.

"This comes in all different forms, but a key part should be about helping a child in need because these are very vulnerable children," Ms Berry says.

Another big thing to consider is that Australia now practices open adoption, which means birth family contact is expected throughout children's lives. You'd need to be confident and comfortable with facilitating that.

Any child who comes into your care will have a history, and all children have different needs, though there are obvious differences between bringing a baby home versus an older child.

If you're adopting an infant, the expectation is generally that there will be a full-time carer at home for a certain time period, Ms Carter explains.

"Sometimes it suits prospective parents who need to keep working to have school-aged kids, and we have a huge need for homes for older children," she says.

If you think this could be right for you, Ms Berry says you should also be prepared for the fact that "older children often have more needs".

"Many have been in situations of domestic violence, many have delayed development and require specialist interventions ... some children may have NDIS care plans."

And if you want to adopt a child with a different cultural background to you, Ms Berry says you need to be prepared to actively integrate their culture into your daily life.

How hard is it?

"Involved" is the word Ms Berry lands on to describe the adoption application process.

"It can be quite an exposing thing because many people get to hear more about your lives than would normally be shared," she says.

Exactly how "involved" the process is depends on the pathway and adoption type you're considering.

The local and known-child adoption processes generally involve getting in touch with your relevant state department or an accredited adoption agency after doing your research.

Next come the information sessions, assessment and training (if you'd like more information on this, this NSW-specific website outlines this part of the process generally).

"The assessment part includes things like medical interviews and home checks," Ms Carter says.

Then, you wait to be matched. (More on how long this can take below.)

That's followed by placement and post-adoptive/placement support. Finally, the adoption is approved by the court in your jurisdiction.

There are heaps of variables for intercountry adoptions. For a better understanding of this process and the concerns that come with it, start with this official government website.

But generally, people looking to adopt children from overseas must meet the eligibility criteria of the state or territory they live in, as well as that of the partner country, go through a similar assessment and training process and finally be approved by a state or territory central authority, or meet immigration requirements.

Be a part of the ABC Everyday community by joining our Facebook group.

How long does it take?

The question of how long it takes is another difficult one to answer beyond "it depends".

But there are some general guides.

The median wait time for intercountry adoption is just under three years.

"And local adoption can take less time," Ms Carter says.

"With known adoptions, often the carer has had that child in their care already, but it still usually takes at least a couple of years [to complete].

"If you put your hand up for foster care, within a year that you start the process and go through authorisation, you can have a child in your home."
This article contains general information only. Refer to your local government for details around laws and requirements regarding adoption.
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'Why don't you just adopt?': Here's what the adoption process actually involves - ABC Everyday

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Adopting a child is complicated, with different rules across the country. Here's what you need to know if you're considering it - or if you wish people would stop asking you why you don't "just adopt already".

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Peak Australian sporting body predicts ‘disaster’ if community volunteer numbers continue declining

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In a worrying sign for grassroot clubs, a national survey reveals Australia’s sporting volunteer workforce has dropped by tens of thousands because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Richard Williams is all smiles as he proudly displays his competition medal around his neck.

He's spent the morning zooming through the forest racing a mountain bike adapted for his disability.

He's left exhausted but exhilarated. It's a stark contrast to Mr Williams 15 years ago.

"I had three years of dark times when I was really depressed, didn't know what to do with my life," he said.

Mr Williams was recovering from a car accident that had left him as a T12 incomplete paraplegic.

With limited leg movement, the previously active father was missing something.

That's when he found adaptive mountain biking.

"I went from never riding a bike to riding a bike six or seven days a week."

The sport introduced him to a new group of friends who also lived with a disability. Suddenly, he had a new lease on life.

"Getting out riding my bike is the most fun - the best part of my life since I've had my accident."

More riders, more trails

Adaptive mountain bikes vary depending on the user's mobility, but many are pedalled by hand and have three wheels.

Due to the modifications there are limited trails that can accommodate the bikes - but that is starting to change.

The trail Mr Williams rode was built to specifically cater for adaptive bikes.

Situated near the town of Collie in the south-west of Western Australia, it is one of two adaptive specific trails in the region.

It put Mr Williams through his paces.

"It was fast enough. It was hard enough. It was everything you want in a mountain bike course."

The newest adaptive trails sit just south of Collie and are within a wider network of tracks in Wellington National Park.

The network was built by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and is part of a wider push to get more people to explore their backyard.

"I think adaptive bike trails are going to be part of probably nearly every network we make in the future," said Rod Annear, the assistant director of parks and visitor services.

"It's not a lot you have to do to make it more accessible for more people."

Accessible and challenging

While adaptive trails have specifications around the slope, camber and width, they can still be a challenge.

"It doesn't mean just because it's an accessible trail that it's not fun and usable for everyone else," Mr Annear said.

To make sure the trails meet accessibility requirements, guidelines were developed by WA charity Break The Boundary.

Wade Jarvis, the charity's deputy chair, said more adaptive-specific trails were slated for Perth, while some trails had been modified after construction to accommodate three-wheeled bikes.

"WA is world class because we can have a network now that has very big black lines that people can take really big jumps, then at the same time, we've got our adaptive bikes."

Try before you buy

With access to trails on the rise, the next hurdle for the charity is the availability of the bikes.

Adaptive mountain bikes can cost up to $20,000 and are mostly imported from overseas.

Break The Boundary allows people with a mobility issue to test adaptive bikes at their hub in Kalamunda.

"The fact is people have very specific needs with these, so they need to come up and try bikes," Dr Jarvis said.

"If you can't try the bikes, you can't be confident buying something, especially when it costs this much."

Back on the trail, Mr Williams has begun planning his next mountain bike adventure.

While there are still some courses and mountain bike competitions that require him to ride with a helper, he is just happy to take to the gravel.

"The fact that a mountain bike community is so willing to accept us is great," he said.

"But now the fact that they're going out of their way to make [adaptive] courses that we can ride without assistance is just making the whole riding experience so much better.

"We're included and we're independent ... it makes our lives a lot better."

Find more local news

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Richard Williams was in a dark place. Then he found adaptive mountain bikes

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Richard Williams is all smiles as he proudly displays his competition medal around his neck. He's spent the morning zooming through the forest racing a mountain bike adapted for his disability. He's left exhausted but exhilarated. It's a stark contrast to Mr Williams 15 years ago.

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Misunderstandings around the abilities of people with disabilities

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Misunderstandings around the abilities of people with disabilities

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As well as inserts for cards, Braille by Luca offers inserts for event invitations and books. The aim is to open up the world for people with limited vision, as well as help Luca earn an income and gain independence.

"Otherwise Luca would end up in a day program being bored for the rest of his life, just being babysat. And that's what we didn't want to have happen," Susanna says.

Luca's blindness is the result of a brain tumour he was born with. He also has a range of disabilities, including a weakened right arm.

His physical limitations are not the only challenges he navigates in daily life. Luca likes eating fish and chips, but going to a restaurant can leave him feeling embarrassed, he says.

"It is very frustrating," says Luca shaking his head.

"Imagine every time you go and sit at a table the waiter has to explain the menu," his mother adds.

So to change that, Luca is also using his advanced braille skills to make menu inserts for local restaurants.

Collaborating with support worker and artist Isobelle Blair, Luca is also making braille inserts for a range of seasonal greeting cards featuring an image of an Afghan woman's clasped hands.

The funds are for a non-government agency providing free healthcare services for war surgery hospitals and first-aid posts in Afghanistan.

"I would like to sell a lot of cards and raise money. [Afghanistan] is a poor country and they don't have any food," Luca says.

"I am definitely proud to be involved," says Isobelle, 22, who works with Luca at disability support program Avenue, in Sydney's Frenchs Forest.

"I was researching charities when [Afghanistan] fell to the Taliban. Luca and I wanted to work together to raise money for the people there."

"Luca is a very good person to collaborate with. He is a hard worker and has a very genuine interest in helping people, and calling for better outcomes for those living with disabilities."

Luca's parents are all too aware of the limited options available for their teenage son.

"Usually young people his age would go on to do some training or further studies. But it is very difficult for people with vision impairment. The unemployment rate is sky high," Susanna says.

Recent research by Vision Australia supports that.

"More than 60 per cent of employers do not feel confident hiring someone with low vision," says Chris Edwards, Vision Australia's manager of government relations and advocacy.

"There is a misconception amongst employers that people who are blind and low vision in the workplace are dangerous.

"And 70 per cent of employers believe it is a workplace health and safety issue, yet there's no evidence behind that."

He is also blind and familiar with the struggle to find work.

"Employment remains a significant challenge, and the rate has not improved much in the past 20 years.

"Only 24 per cent of people who are blind or have low vision are in full-time work, which is a pretty alarming statistic."

He hopes advanced software installed in modern computers that converts written words into speech, will gradually provide new opportunities for people with limited sight.

"A lot of larger employers also have diversity and inclusion plans for people with a disability, and there is a great deal more intent to actually make a difference," he says.

And he applauds Luca's family for starting their own venture.

"Small business is a genuine option for blind and low vision people. And it is certainly something that we encourage them into."

Luca's parents say they will continue to fight for their son's rights after almost two decades of "ups and downs".

"Luca was diagnosed at six months with a brain tumour. It was sitting on the optic nerve and that made his vision deteriorate slowly. So by the age of two, he was completely blind," Susanna says.

After multiple surgeries on the tumor site, there was little more Australian doctors could do. So his parents, who migrated from Germany separately in the 1990s, embarked on a series of experimental treatments in Europe which cost them more than $250,000.

Luca now has treatment on the tumor in Australia but the process remains controversial.

Luca's condition is now stable and his parents hope his small business will one day allow their son to live independently.

"If we can set him up eventually to live on his own, or live with friends, that's probably the aim," his father Lars says.

"Luca's business is not about mass producing cards. Eventually, we would like to have a sign in a newsagency, that says 'choose any card you like and Luca will braille it for you.'"

With a lot of orders already for Christmas, the family expects soon to "get very busy, and full-on in production mode".

"We are immensely proud of Luca. It is a fantastic success story," Susanna says.

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Luca lost his sight as a child. Now he makes braille greeting cards to help others

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As well as inserts for cards, Braille by Luca offers inserts for event invitations and books. The aim is to open up the world for people with limited vision, as well as help Luca earn an income and gain independence. "Otherwise Luca would end up in a day program being bored for the rest of his life, just being babysat.

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‘Are you OK?’: Ruben lost his dad to suicide at age 14, now he helps others in need

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As a teenager, Ruben was heartbroken and struggled to understand why his father took his own life. Eleven years later, he now volunteers as a phone counsellor at Lifeline to help save the lives of others.

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Issues faced by people with disabilities

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Issues faced by people with disabilities

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How to be disabled 'right':

Always use a mobility aid.

Live with your family.

Be unemployed.

Don't attend university.

Dedicate your time to curing yourself with yoga, turmeric shots, and a strict vitamin regime.

And, despite all your devastating challenges, push through and do the inspiring work of grocery shopping.

Also, it really helps if you are white, thin, male, and straight. Makes you even more inspiring and way less likely to be faking it.

I am disabled 'wrong'.

I use my wheelchair casually. I live in a sharehouse with mates. I work in a professional field and study law. I do not do yoga or drink turmeric shots, and the only pills regime I'm committed to is the one prescribed by my doctors. All of this is worsened by the fact that I'm a queer woman of colour who isn't a size 8.

I've been living with a chronic illness since the age of ten, and it took me nearly a decade to identify as disabled. Those of us who are disabled 'wrong' have all these arbitrary measures to convince ourselves that we aren't 'properly' disabled. For me, the measure has often been that I can work.

But I wanted to see what it's like for others, so I made a call out on my Instagram for disabled folk to share their experiences about what it means for them to be disabled 'wrong.' The responses I received were diverse but also spoke to many of the common anxieties and hopes we share as a community.

For my friend Cynthia, it has been that she can carry a bag, (mostly) walk on two feet, and attend dance training. For Carla, it has been the fact that some days her pain doesn't control her every move: she goes to theatre rehearsals or uni without flaring, or needing pain meds. We can't always do these things. But even on the days we can, we are still disabled.

Society imagines disability as black and white - you either are disabled, or you're not. However, this doesn't reflect our experiences. My friend Monica says people assume "disability is a dichotomy of entirely functional versus entirely dysfunctional, rather than being a dynamic thing that interacts with all the other aspects of a person's life." Our 'disabledness' is judged not only by what we accept for ourselves, but how the communities and people in our lives choose to recognise us and listen to us when we assert who we are.

The government's exclusive approach to disability

Our right as disabled people to control our own lives has been codified in the Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD), but according to the government, myself and countless other disabled Australians do not get the protections the CRPD provides. Under the government's pathologizing standards, I am not disabled. I can work. I attend allied health appointments, which apparently proves I can be "cured". Some days I can even cook my own meals.

I am not just disabled wrong to society, I am disabled wrong to the institutions that are supposed to help me live a full life. I've been rejected from the NDIS, which means I've sourced all my assistive technology from Facebook marketplace, and I spend 40 per cent of my income on health expenses.

24-year-old woman Jordyn echoes what I heard from a dozen different disabled people that spoke to me; an exasperation about not even bothering to apply for the disability pension or NDIS because they've "chosen to save [themselves] the heartache and dehumanisation."

I haven't just experienced this myself, I've seen it among countless other people in my work as a disability advocate. Every day I hear stories from people who are frustrated by the paperwork, who feel insecure and fearful about navigating the system. 28-year-old woman Tabitha told me about the "hostility" she feels "from the government towards disabled people" with every process created to be so difficult that people give up.

The danger of being disabled 'wrong'

Being disabled 'wrong' isn't just invalidating, dehumanising, or a barrier to access. It can be dangerous. I've had strangers push me against walls, and yell at me when I park in disability spots and leave the car without a mobility aid. I've had countless friends skip meals or life-saving medications because they had no one to help them get up from their bed while their housemates, family or partners were at work.

38-year-old woman Rachel was denied access to disability accommodations when she was applying for emergency accommodation to flee domestic violence because the Department of Communities and Justice didn't believe she was really disabled, which left her living with her abuser for months after she sought help.

Our experiences aren't homogenous. I had dozens of disabled people reach out to me when I called for contributions and one article isn't enough to fully explore all the nuances of our experiences. From the racism that marks the disabled community, to how assigned gender affects the diagnosis of psychosocial disabilities, to the countless disabled women who have nearly died in emergency departments because their pain wasn't taken seriously.

People shared deeply honest responses and used energy they don't have in spades, in the hopes they will be seen by a world that too often ignores us.

So, what needs to change?

It isn't just about symbolic recognition; we need material change. We need financial support so that we don't have to decide whether to pay for treatment or rent, we need reform to the NDIS's eligibility criteria so we can afford in-homecare and live independently. The government needs to understand we are not dispensable.

At the end of an especially difficult child protection mediation I was supporting an Indigenous, disabled mother through, she turned to me and said "I wish they [the Department of Communities and Justice] trusted me to take care of my kid the way I trust myself." Disabled people want to be trusted and supported when we ask for help and to be able to make decisions about our own lives.

As we mark International Day of People with Disability, I want those in power to trust us to be the experts on disability. Trust us to have the answers for fairer policies that involve us. Trust us to be the controller of our own lives.
Danielle Santos is a 24-year-old woman living on Gadigal land in Redfern. She has worked in disability advocacy and research for the past six years while completing a Bachelor of Laws/Social Research and Policy at UNSW.

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In Australia, there's two types of disabled people. Those who fit the government's narrow criteria, and those like me

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How to be disabled 'right': Always use a mobility aid. Live with your family. Be unemployed. Don't attend university. Dedicate your time to curing yourself with yoga, turmeric shots, and a strict vitamin regime. And, despite all your devastating challenges, push through and do the inspiring work of grocery shopping.

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Supportive WORKPLACE STRUCTURES - enhancing efficiency, wellbeing and work/life balance

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Supportive WORKPLACE STRUCTURES - enhancing efficiency, wellbeing and work/life balance

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A new parental policy will see maternity leave introduced in Australian cricket for the first time, in a move Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy says is a "game changer".

The policy, announced today by Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association, supports professional cricketers through pregnancy, adoption, their return to play and parental responsibilities.

It will allow players who give birth or adopt to take up to 12 months of paid parental leave, while it also supports players who are primary carers after they return to the field, covering the costs associated with caring for their child and a carer - including accommodation and flights - until the child is four years old.

Players who take maternity leave will be guaranteed a contract extension the following year, while they will be able to transition into non-playing roles while pregnant until they give birth. They can then return to the field any time after giving birth, subject to medical clearance.

The policy came into effect on July 1, after a period of consultation that began in 2017, and covers Australian players who have state, national or Big Bash contracts.

It also entitles players whose partner is pregnant or adopting, and who are not the primary carer, to three weeks of paid leave, taken anytime within 12 months of either the birth or adoption of their child.

"As a player, I'm proud to be part of a game with such a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose parental leave policy," Healy said.

"With the playing and travel demands on cricketers, I'm pleased this policy provides support to players, so if they choose to, can both care for their child and participate in the game.

"Seeing friends and family raise children, I know the physical and emotional toll parenting can have.

"The policy is a game changer for players planning for the future while providing job security."

No current female players at national or domestic level in Australia are parents, but former Australia star Sarah Elliott - who was part of the consultation process - returned to international cricket after giving birth in 2013, notably scoring a Test century against England while breastfeeding her son during breaks in play.

New Zealand and Melbourne Renegades captain Amy Satterthwaite recently revealed she was expecting a baby with wife and teammate Lea Tahuhu, meaning she will miss the upcoming WBBL season.

"High performance sport is anything but a normal work environment and our policies for our players need to reflect this," Drew Ginn, Executive General Manager of High Performance at Cricket Australia said.

"The job is physical, the hours irregular and 100 per cent commitment is expected at all times. This is why we've developed such a tailored policy taking into consideration all player and key stakeholder feedback.

"Like Alyssa, I'm proud to stand alongside this policy as yet another example of how Australian Cricket continues to lead the way."

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A new parental policy will see maternity leave introduced in Australian cricket for the first time, in a move Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy says is a "game changer". The policy, announced today by Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association, supports professional cricketers through pregnancy, adoption, their return to play and parental responsibilities.

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Nike Ad APPEARING to challenge gender stereotypes - but athletes highlight another side (struggles for professional female athletes/ working parents)

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Nike Ad APPEARING to challenge gender stereotypes - but athletes highlight another side (struggles for professional female athletes/ working parents)

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Nike released a new, minute-long commercial celebrating pregnant women and mothers as athletes.

Allyson Felix - a top USA Track & Field sprinter - called the ad "brilliant" but "hard to watch."

Felix was once sponsored by Nike and since battled the brand over athlete maternity protections.

Nike's new maternity ad celebrates pregnant women and new mothers as the premier athletes in our society.

But for Allyson Felix - who has long been the face of Track and Field in the United States and waged an ugly public battle with Nike over maternity protections - the minute-long video is "brilliant" but "hard to watch."

"I think you should watch this ad," Felix wrote on Twitter. "It reminds mothers that they are athletes. It celebrates mothers. It speaks truth. It's powerful. It's brilliant marketing. I agree with every word in this ad."

"I also think you should watch this ad so that you will hold Nike accountable for it," she added.

-Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) March 15, 2021

Felix is one of the most decorated sprinters in history, and Nike capitalized on her dominance for most of the 2010s with a seven-year sponsorship. She was "one of Nike's most widely marketed athletes" in that span, a fact that was clearly established by the time she decided to start a family in 2018.

Coincidentally, Felix's Nike contract expired in December of 2017, leaving her in the midst of contract negotiations with the brand throughout her pregnancy. And in a bombshell op-ed she wrote for The New York Times back in May of 2019, Felix alleged that the company was far from supportive of her newfound status as both an athlete and a mother.

Nike offered her a 70% pay cut in her new deal. And when Felix asked the brand to "contractually guarantee that I wouldn't be punished if I didn't perform at my best in the months surrounding childbirth," Nike refused to do so.

"If I can't secure maternity protections, who can?" Felix wrote in her piece.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist and record 12-time gold medal recipient at the World Championships eventually signed a deal with GAP's Athleta brand. However, she still managed to exact change within her former sponsor's ranks and across the industry.

Her story in The Times sparked public outcry and prompted Nike to announce a new maternity policy for its sponsored athletes. The brand guaranteed compensation for the 18 months surrounding childbirth, and other companies followed suit.

Now, some two years later, Nike is spotlighting pregnancy and motherhood within athletics "but seems to ignore the struggle it took to get to this point," Felix wrote in a Twitter thread.

"My experience, along with many others, forced NIKE to support athlete's maternity," Felix continued. "And when I watch this ad, it doesn't seem to acknowledge that war."

-Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) March 15, 2021

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Nike's maternity ad is an opportunity to hold the brand accountable, track and field icon Allyson Felix says

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Nike released a new, minute-long commercial celebrating pregnant women and mothers as athletes. Allyson Felix - a top USA Track & Field sprinter - called the ad "brilliant" but "hard to watch." Felix was once sponsored by Nike and since battled the brand over athlete maternity protections.

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Young people who are LGBTIQ+ being excluded from the Census

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Young people who are LGBTIQ+ being excluded from the Census

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Courtney Act (@courtneyact)

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Factors affecting access to resources - mental health (massively high rates!)

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Factors affecting access to resources - mental health (massively high rates!)

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The federal government's key offering to tackle youth mental health, headspace, is turning distressed young people away from its service as it deals with waiting lists as long as six months.

The CEO of headspace Jason Trethowan told Hack he's concerned about the mental wellbeing of young Australians who are waiting for months to get support from headspace.

"It does worry me about the number of young people who do seek support [from Headspace], and don't get the timely support or the right support.

"If you get turned away, then of course, the human instinct is, why bother doing that again?"

On average, young people will currently wait between six to eight weeks for a psychologist appointment at headspace, but young people at certain centres are waiting many more months for their care.

This year, two headspace centres -- in Taringa, Queensland, and Hobart, Tasmania -- have been forced to pause the intake of new clients for a period of time. The books at Hobart's headspace are now open, but they're currently still closed at Taringa's headspace.

"It is uncomfortable. It's not what we want," Jason Trethowan said.

In June, headspace welcomed a $26 million funding boost from the federal government to reduce waiting times, as part of the government's seven-year, $152 million investment in the service.

Mr Trethowan said longer waiting times at Headspace were due to a number of factors. He cited increasing rates of mental health concerns during the pandemic, but also the success headspace has had in destigmatising mental health support for young people.

"It kind of reflects the evolution of youth mental health. When we started out 15 years ago, we were reaching out to young people to reduce the stigma, to increase mental health literacy, to come and seek support should you need it.

"Now young people are reaching out to headspace to saying, 'we've heard your call. We're here.'"

Headspace's waiting times have impacted young people like 21-year-old Ella*, in regional Victoria.

Earlier this year, Ella waited three months for a psychologist appointment at her local headspace before giving up and finding support from a private practitioner.

Ella says waiting for help made her mental health worse.

"I waited so long for headspace and kept holding out for it. I started to rely on a lot more unhealthy coping strategies to get me through that time period.

"It felt really disheartening, it felt like I wasn't taken seriously...I think it's quite brave to reach out for help when you can. It's like a trust process. You're hoping that someone will catch you when you do that. Because you know, that fall would be pretty bad if no one's there."

'No benchmarks for wait times'

Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, who was a founding director of Headspace but is no longer formally involved with the organisation, said headspace is not "OK" in 2021.

"Headspace is under real pressure. It's been promoted by everyone from the Prime Minister down as the solution to the youth mental health crisis. Everyone's saying if you have a problem go to headspace.

"So people assume it has the capability to respond. But it didn't have the capacity to respond pre-COVID, it was already struggling.

"There's no standards, accountability, or benchmarks in terms of waiting times."

Professor Hickie said there is a "tremendous surge" in demand for Headspace's services, and the organisation is lacking a skilled workforce to keep up with its workload.

He warned that there are "disastrous" outcomes for young people who are "completely left out in the cold" when turned away from the only free, federally-funded mental health service in Australia.

"People who are met with long waiting times assume they're not a priority, that their problems aren't serious. People lose confidence in the service, and it's very hard to go back."

Headspace can save lives

25-year-old Dana from the Blue Mountains credits headspace with changing, and possibly saving her life on multiple occasions.

Dana's especially grateful for the mental health support she received from a headspace psychologist during a rough patch a few years ago.

"He gave me a lot of perspective. And I think when you're in that kind of downward spiral, and you're so enclosed in your own mind, in your own head, it helps to have that kind of outside perspective to be like, your life isn't completely shit. It's gonna be okay."

Dana says she doesn't know what her mental health would be like without getting timely care from headspace, as it's carried her into adulthood.

"Even after all these years, I feel so much more adjusted. And I feel like my mental health has gotten to a point where it's incredibly stable. I don't have these really deep lows or really high highs. Having those tools given to me at a young and formative age has taken me further into adulthood in a more positive way."

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said young people who are waiting for a psychologist appointment at headspace can use the organisation's other services in the meantime.

"We have peer workers at headspace who can stay in touch by messaging. We have online group chats, we have online community forums on our digital services. And of course eheadspace is available between 9:00am and 1:00am, seven days a week. So therefore, you can still talk to a mental health clinician to remain engaged."

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Six month wait times, young people turned away: Demand outstrips supply at headspace

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The federal government's key offering to tackle youth mental health, headspace, is turning distressed young people away from its service as it deals with waiting lists as long as six months. The CEO of headspace Jason Trethowan told Hack he's concerned about the mental wellbeing of young Australians who are waiting for months to get support from headspace.

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Canva tells employees they only need to work in office 8 times a year!

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Canva tells employees they only need to work in office 8 times a year!

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Flexible work patterns, working remotely

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Canva has unveiled a new flexible work model that will allow teams to determine how often employees will need to work from the office.

It said internal surveys showed 81% of its employees want to continue working flexibly after current lockdowns were relaxed.

The company joins fellow Australian tech giant Atlassian in formalising a long-term commitment to remote work for employees.

Visit Business Insider Australia's homepage for more stories.

Canva has committed to a flexible work model for its employees long-term, following fellow Australian tech unicorn Atlassian in embracing remote work.

The company has called the change part of its "long term approach to the future of work," where it will focus on flexibility and connection and abolish any formal rules around office attendance.

In an announcement published on Tuesday, the company said it won't have strict requirements for the number of days spent in an office, but will instead empower teams to decide on the number of days employees are expected to attend work in person.

Canva said the decision followed internal research, including a survey showing that 79% of its teams say they feel productive working from home, with 81% saying they wanted to continue balancing working in the office with remote work when stay-at-home orders are relaxed again later this year.

In practice, the company's new policy won't set strict requirements for balancing physical and remote work.

However it said it expects to see employees appear at their "nearest Canva hub" at least eight times per year.

Canva also said its global approach to team building would be reimagined to fit the new approach to physical work, with the introduction of an all of company 'Meeting Free Wednesday', along with work perks that extend outside of the office.

"We believe traditional workplaces will become the exception when it comes to the future of work," Canva said, adding that the pandemic has "disproved the notion of collaboration being best in one way or in one place."

In late April Australian tech giant Atlassian announced a remote work policy that would enable its global staff of 5,700 to work from anywhere in the world.

As part of its reimagined approach to flexible work, employees are expected to visit the company's offices four times a year to attend global summits, but otherwise can design their own approach to office attendance.

At the time, the company said its own internal surveys found that around 50% of employees intend to continue going into the office on a regular basis.

Atlassian also said its policy not only reflected the company's global approach to talent, but signalled a shift in the flexibility employees expected in conducting their work.

"If you think about Atlassian historically we've basically been a global company, we've had a belief that talent exists everywhere in the world, not just in Silicon Valley," Scott Farquhar, co-founder and co-chief executive of Atlassian said at the time.

In April Canva rocketed to a new milestone with a valuation of $US15 billion ($19.7 billion) following a new round of funding.

The graphic design startup said the pandemic had boosted its user base by 50% due to an increased demand for tools that enable remote collaboration.

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Canva tells employees they only need to come to the office 8 times a year

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Canva has unveiled a new flexible work model that will allow teams to determine how often employees will need to work from the office. It said internal surveys showed 81% of its employees want to continue working flexibly after current lockdowns were relaxed.

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Most people want to live in their own home, but some frail older people and people with a disability can find this difficult without support. Help can be provided by carers (family and friends) and by HACC and other services. HACC can provide basic support services so that frail older people and people with a disability can continue to live in their community. These services provide eligible people with help at home, support in getting out into the community, and a break for carers. HACC services are offered in your home or local community and may be provided by a HACC agency, community health centre or local council.

What are HACC services?

HACC services provided in the community include:

Centre-based day respite
Care, company and group activities in the centre, and may include short trips away from the centre.

Transport
Helps people get out and about to a day centre, shopping or appointments.

Social support
Gives clients a hand by taking them shopping, banking or to appointments, or just providing company for a chat.

HACC services provided at home may include:

Domestic assistance (home help/home care)
Household jobs like cleaning, clothes washing and ironing.

Personal care
Includes help with bathing or showering, dressing, hair care and toileting.

Home maintenance
Home maintenance is general repair and care of a client's house or yard (for example, changing light bulbs, fixing door locks).

Home modification
Services can install safety aids like alarms, ramps and support rails in your home.

Community nursing
Provided in your home by a qualified nurse (eg. wound dressing, continence advice).

Some HACC services can be provided either at a community centre or in your home:

Food services
If it is hard for you to prepare meals, these services may include:
- providing meals at a community centre or day centre
- helping with shopping for food, preparing and storing it
- delivering meals to your home

Allied health services
For people having problems with their feet or speech, for example, or needing help with ongoing problems resulting from an accident or illness. Services include physiotherapy, podiatry, speech pathology, occupational therapy and advice from a dietitian.

Respite care
Gives carers a break from their caring role. A respite worker looks after the person needing care so the carer can enjoy other activities and interests. This service can be provided at a day centre or in your home.

Support services for carers
As well as respite care, there are other support services for carers. You can get details of these in the HACC brochure "Are you caring for someone at home?" Ask your local service provider for a copy.

Who is eligible for a HACC service?

HACC services are for people who need help to continue living at home in the community because: they are frail older people who have difficulty with everyday tasks, such as showering, getting dressed or doing housework, OR they are a younger person with a moderate to severe disability, AND they are at risk of having to go into a nursing home or aged people's hostel. HACC services are also available for people who are caring for a frail older person or someone with a disability.

How do I get a HACC service?

You, your doctor, a family member or friend can contact: Commonwealth Carelink Centre to discuss your needs, OR your local HACC services coordinator for an assessment of your needs. For contact details see this page.

Assessment

In order to assess your needs, a person from a HACC agency talks to you about how you are coping with your daily living. The information you provide is written in the HACC Ongoing Needs Identification (ONI) form. This is used by the HACC agency to decide whether you are eligible for a service and what type of service you need to assist you to remain living at home.

Will I have to pay for a HACC service?

Each HACC service has its own policy on fees, but most services ask for a small contribution, depending on your situation. Special consideration is given to people with limited finances.

Need more information?

To find out about HACC services in your area, contact: Commonwealth Carelink Centre* on 1800 052 222** (Freecall business hours)
Your doctor: Your doctor can work with other services to assist you to ask for the care you need.
Or visit www.health.qld.gov.au/hacc

* Provides free information about community aged care,
disability and other support services.
** Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.

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What is the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program?

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Most people want to live in their own home, but some frail older people and people with a disability can find this difficult without support. Help can be provided by carers (family and friends) and by HACC and other services.

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We've done the homework on studying so you don't have to. These are your scientifically-proven steps to study success. They include embracing a small amount of stress, studying in 20-minute blocks, talking about what you've learned with a friend or family member, taking breaks (but not to the point of distraction!) and getting enough sleep.
Download a text version of this infographic.
Some key takeaways to help you on your way to study success:

Break your study up into manageable 20-minute chunks. Get some more info about setting small goals here.

Talk about it or say it out loud. When you say something out loud, you'll find it much easier to remember it. Chatting with someone about what you're studying is even better.

Remove the distractions. Put your phone on silent and out of reach, and turn off the pop-up notifications on your computer. Research shows that it can take up to 20 minutes to refocus on what you're doing once you've been distracted.

Take breaks. If you plan your study chunks with breaks in between, having the time away can help you to come back refreshed.

Get some sleep! Getting a good night's rest helps your brain and body to rest and recharge. In fact, you'll do better at your exams and remember more of what you studied if you get a good night's sleep, rather than if you stayed up late studying.

Other things you can do include eating the right foods, perfecting your time management skills, and knowing when to take a break from studying and getting some physical activity or social time in.

What can I do now?

Check out 5 great apps that you can download to deal with everything that exam stress can throw at you.

Check out these study hacks for effective study techniques to improve your study habits.

Go from procrastinator to time-management ninja - here's how.

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We've done the homework on studying so you don't have to. These are your scientifically-proven steps to study success. They include embracing a small amount of stress, studying in 20-minute blocks, talking about what you've learned with a friend or family member, taking breaks (but not to the point of distraction!)

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No doubt: studying at home can be hard. There are lots of different study styles, and knowing what is most effective for you can make things a lot easier. This study style quiz is designed to help you understand what works for you, and offers a few tips to help you get the most from your study. Check out some more study tips here.

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No doubt: studying at home can be hard. There are lots of different study styles, and knowing what is most effective for you can make things a lot easier. This study style quiz is designed to help you understand what works for you, and offers a few tips to help you get the most from your study.

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Tokyo: Daniel Michel is the Australian boccia star who has competed on almost every continent and, according to former Australian cricket great Steve Waugh, is as committed as any athlete he's ever seen.

While many Australians may not have heard of the sport, Michel is a big deal in the boccia world and competes with his assistant Ashlee McClure.

Boccia player Daniel Michel (right) and his assistant Ashlee McClure (left) in the Paralympic Athletes Village in Tokyo. Credit:Paralympics Australia

His globetrotting might come as a surprise given the 26-year-old was born with spinal muscular atrophy (type two).

Michel, who at Rio 2016 became the first Australian to compete in boccia at the Paralympics since Sydney 2000, has competed in China, England, Hong Kong, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Dubai, Canada, the United States and even Colombia.

Boccia is an Australian Institute of Sport-funded high-performance program and, as a top-four athlete, Michel receives about $33,000 a year as part of a DAIS athlete grant.

Growing up, Michel was, like many kids, sport-mad. Rugby league, cricket, you name it.

Daniel Michel, pictured in 2013, at his family home. The man behind the camera is Steve Waugh. Credit:Canon Australia

One of Michel's simple pleasures is going to the SCG New Year's Test and downing a few cold beers in the stands.

But Michel knew deep down that the odds were stacked against him forging a sporting career.

His severe disability, which effectively means his muscles won't grow, prevented him from kicking a footy or rolling the arm over.

School life was difficult but, at 15, Michel discovered boccia at a camp for people with a disability and never looked back.

"I think he's ready for this moment. He's had it in mind for a number of years and been in his diary."
Steve Waugh

"It changed my life entirely," said Michel, who will also compete in the BC3 pairs event with another rising Australian boccia player, Spencer Cotie, who has cerebral palsy. "From that day on, it's been my goal to be the best I can in this sport."

About eight years ago, as part of a Canon Australia campaign, Waugh met Michel and his family and took some photos of the then 18-year-old.

The Steve Waugh Foundation part funded Michel's robotic arm, which gave him a degree of independence.

Waugh and Michel stayed in touch and on a handful of occasions, the former Test captain popped down to watch the youngster train at Cronulla library, where there is an adjoining council room that he uses.

Daniel Michel shares a drink with Steve Waugh.

Michel let Waugh have a go too, prompting the rising star to chirp: "He's scored 10,000 Test runs but can he line up a boccia ramp?"

"He's as committed as any athlete I've ever seen," Waugh told the Herald.

"I think he's ready for this moment. He's had it in mind for a number of years and been in his diary. He's looked at it, waited for it, and analysed it.

Michel at the Rio Olympics. Credit:Paralympics Australia

"I bump into Daniel all the time in the shopping centre and he's got a pretty busy social life.

"He said he'd been to all these far-off places [where] I never imagined they played boccia. He's all over the world."

Boccia has been a Paralympic sport since 1984 and tests an athlete's degree of control and accuracy. It is exclusively for athletes with significant physical impairment.

The aim of the game is for athletes in a wheelchair to propel leather balls as close as possible to a white ball or "jack", similar to lawn bowls.

Players can throw, kick or use a ramp device to send the balls down, depending on their disability.

McClure, his assistant, is critical to his success. She sits in front of Michel, with her back to the balls, and positions the ramp and balls according to his specific instructions. A remarkable amount of strategy and tactics are involved.

Michel, who has limited use of his arms and uses a robotic one, propels the ball down a ramp using a device he controls with his mouth.

"Ash is essentially the body of the operation. I have to give all of the instructions to her," Michel said. "She is not allowed to talk to me at all or look at the court. It's all one-way communication and it has to be really succinct. We have to have a good rapport because we only get six minutes."

Michel claimed silver and bronze medals at the 2018 world championships in the UK and is now ranked fourth in the world in the individual BC3 category.

Australia hasn't won a medal in boccia since Atlanta in 1996, but the quiet word in Tokyo is that Michel could be the man to break a 25-year hoodoo.

Michel's greatest boccia shot? One from the Kansas City Open in 2017, where he knocks one of his balls into a pack that ricochets off those of his opponent and perfectly next to the jack (check it out around the 12-minute mark above). "There is no more satisfying feeling in sport," he wrote on Instagram at the time.

Michel and McClure train five times a week and were forced to use her garage during COVID-19 lockdown, with boccia courts off-limits. But the pair honed their craft, with Tokyo glory in the back of their minds.

"Coming into my second Games, I'm in a different headspace to the last one," Michel said.

"This time around, coming in as world No.4, I have a bit of a track record now, so [I'm] feeling a bit better about my ability to perform.

"Rio definitely gave me that hunger to come back and try and do better next time around."​

Tom Decent is a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald

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'As committed as I've ever seen': Meet the Paralympian with Steve Waugh in his corner

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Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Tokyo: Daniel Michel is the Australian boccia star who has competed on almost every continent and, according to former Australian cricket great Steve Waugh, is as committed as any athlete he's ever seen.

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REVISION IDEAS specifically for CAFS & PDHPE

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REVISION IDEAS specifically for CAFS & PDHPE

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Youth employment - Then and now, how Youth have changed over time

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Youth employment - Then and now, how Youth have changed over time

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Related terms:
Intergenerational change, societal changes, changing characteristics, young adults, 1970's, 2000's, traditional milestones, delaying milestones, baby boomers, generation Y, Census

Young adulthood is a time of transition and growing independence. However the experiences of young adults today can be quite different to those in previous decades. Traditional milestones such as moving away from the family home, moving in with a partner or getting married have been delayed until a little later in life.

This article looks at differences between young adults aged 18-34 years in 2011 and those in 1976. Some young adults in 2011 will be the children of those discussed in 1976. Thirty-five years separate these two groups, and changes in their characteristics can be seen as a reflection of different social environments and trends of their times. This article looks at their changing characteristics, living arrangements, family life, and educational and workforce participation.

A SMALLER PIECE OF THE POPULATION PIE

In June 2011, there were 5.4 million Australians aged 18-34 years. As expected, given the growing population of Australia, this was more than there had been in June 1976 (3.8 million). However, due to the ageing of the population, young adults make up a smaller proportion overall than previously. In 2011, 24% of the population were young adults, whereas in 1976, young adults made up 27% of the population.

WHERE DO YOUNG ADULTS LIVE?

In 2011, major urban areas such as capital cities and larger cities had a higher proportion of young adults than other urban areas - 25% and 20% respectively. Outside urban areas, only 16% of the population were young adults.

PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) ACROSS SECTION OF STATE - 2011

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
(b) Population clusters of 100,000 or more people.
(c) Population clusters of between 1,000 to 99,999 people.
(d) Population clusters of less than 1000 people.
Source: ABS 2011 Census of Population and Housing

states and territories

In the past 35 years, the proportion of young adults across all the states and territories has decreased due to the ageing population. However, there were still some similarities in terms of the states and territories in which young adults lived.

In 2011, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory had the highest proportion of the population that were young adults (both 29%). These territories also had the highest proportion of young adults in 1976. A possible reason for the higher proportion of young adults in the Australian Capital Territory is the large concentration of higher education institutions within this territory. Tasmania had the lowest proportion of the population that were young adults in both 2011 (20%) and 1976 (26%).

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS AND FAMILY LIFE

There has been a delay in a range of life events when comparing the living arrangements of young adults and their families in 2011 with their 1976 counterparts. In 1976, around 65% of young adults lived with a partner, and nearly three-quarters of these (74%) had children. In 2011, around 42% of young adults lived with a partner, and of these only around half (52%) had children.

Young adults in 2011 were also more likely than those in 1976 to be living without a partner or child but with one or both of their parents. In 2011, around 29% of young adults lived without a partner or child but with one or both of their parents, up from 21% in 1976.

SELECTED LIVING ARRANGEMENTS OF YOUNG ADULTS(a)

(a) Aged 18-34 years.

(b) And not living with a partner or child.
(c) Includes registered marriages and de-facto relationships.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

Recent decades have seen a decrease in the proportion of young adults who have married. In 2011, under a third (29%) of young adults were, or had been, married. This was less than half of the proportion in 1976 (64%). Further, young adults who marry were doing so at a later age. In 1976, around two-thirds (67%) of 24 year olds were, or had been, married, compared with 14% of 24 year olds in 2011.

PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) WHO WERE, OR HAD BEEN, MARRIED(b)

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
(b) Were married, separated, divorced or widowed at the time of Census.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

The median age at first marriage has also seen an increase by six years for men and seven years for women. The median age of first marriage was 24 years for men and 21 years for women in 1976, ( Endnote 1) compared with 30 and 28 years respectively in 2011. ( Endnote 2) Clearly, young adults were choosing to put off marriage to a later age. Possible reasons for this delay include a greater acceptance of cohabitation and having children before marriage, and changing values and priorities. ( Endnote 3) Young adults could also be deciding not to get married at all.

For more information on recent trends in marriages, de facto relationships and couple living arrangements, see Australian Social Trends 2012, ' Love Me Do'.

moving house

Now, as in the 1970s, young adults tend to move house more than other age groups. This is associated with the many types of transitions that young adults go through, including moving away from the parental home, taking up further study, moving into employment, moving in with a partner, or moving to a more suitable place to start a family.

In 2011, around two-thirds of young adults (64%) were living at an address different to where they were living five years earlier, while around 29% were living elsewhere to where they were living a year earlier. Other Australians appear less mobile, with around a third (34%) living elsewhere from five years earlier and around 12% living elsewhere from one year earlier.

While young adults in 2011 were only slightly less likely than those in 1976 to have been living elsewhere a year earlier (29% compared with 30%), they were doing so at a later age. In 2011, the proportion of young adults who were living elsewhere a year earlier peaked at the age of 24 (35%), compared with 22 years (42%) in 1976.

Many young adults move out of home then return, perhaps due to a change in circumstances or to save to buy their own home. For more information on the living arrangements of young adults, see Australian Social Trends 2009, ' Home and away: the living arrangements of young people'.

PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) WHO WERE LIVING AT A DIFFERENT ADDRESS ONE YEAR PREVIOUSLY

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

Many are hitting the books

In 1974, the Australian Government assumed full responsibility for funding higher education - abolishing tuition fees and introducing the Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme with the intention of making university accessible to all Australians who had the ability and who wished to participate in higher education. ( Endnote 4) In 1989, the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) was implemented, requiring those in higher education to contribute to their cost of education. This scheme allowed students to delay repaying their HECS debt until they earned a certain amount of income from a job in Australia. Whereas many young adults in 1976 may have received free tertiary education, many young adults in 2011 may have been required to contribute to the cost of theirs.

Despite the implementation of HECS and the re-introduction of tuition fees for some students, nearly double the proportion of young adults were attending an educational institution in 2011 than in 1976 (26% compared with 14%). As in 1976, participation in education was much higher for the younger end of this age group.

This increase in educational participation could be due to a variety of factors that include an expansion in the number of available places in educational institutions, an increase in school completion rates, and the increased reliance on available education and training opportunities to gain access to the labour market. ( Endnote 5)

PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) ATTENDING AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

more women are studying

Over recent decades, there has been a rise in the proportion of young women attending an educational institution. While in 1976 a higher proportion of young men (17%) were attending an educational institution than young women (10%), in 2011 the opposite was found: there was a higher proportion of young women (28%) attending an educational institution than men (25%).
PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) ATTENDING AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, BY SEX

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
Source: ABS Censuses of Population and Housing 1976 to 2011

more qualifications to show for it

The increased participation in education among young adults between 1976 and 2011 has had the flow on effect of more young adults having an educational qualification. In 1976, less than a third (30%) of young adults had obtained a non-school qualification and only 5% had a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In contrast, over half (52%) of young adults had a non-school qualification, and around a quarter (26%) had a bachelor degree or higher qualification in 2011.

PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) WITH A BACHELOR DEGREE OR HIGHER QUALIFICATION

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

Over the past 30 years, the labour force has seen some substantial changes. In 1976, over two thirds (71%) of young adults were employed, similar to the proportion in 2011 (74%). However, while the overall employment to population ratio (or employment rate) has remained similar, changes can be seen in the employment rate and working patterns for both men and women.

men are working less

The proportion of young men who were employed has decreased between 1976 (88%) and 2011 (79%). In both years, the employment rate has remained fairly steady across the age groups, with the largest differences being seen at the younger ages where educational participation was at its highest. The decline in the employment rate for men over the years may be linked to factors such as the opportunity to engage in further studies, fewer jobs in goods-producing industries, and the changing role of men in families. ( Endnote 6)

PROPORTION OF YOUNG MEN WHO WERE EMPLOYED

Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

For young women, the pattern of employment has seen quite a change. The proportion of young women employed has increased between 1976 (54%) and 2011 (69%). This increase is reflective of a number of factors including the increase in flexibility to work and care for a child at the same time, the opportunity for social interaction, an increase in part-time employment, and the trend that has seen women having fewer children, and at older ages. ( Endnote 7)
PROPORTION OF YOUNG WOMEN WHO WERE EMPLOYED

Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

However, despite there now being a higher proportion of women and a lower proportion of men in the workforce than there was in 1976, the number of hours worked per week is considerably different when comparing men and women.

working full-time

Of young adults who worked full-time in 1976, more than half (59%) worked 40 hours per week and around a quarter (25%) worked more than 40 hours per week. In 2011 however, less than a third (31%) worked 40 hours per week, and over 38% worked more than 40 hours per week.

FULL-TIME(a) EMPLOYED YOUNG ADULTS(b) - HOURS WORKED PER WEEK(c)

(a) 35 hours or more per week.
(b) Aged 18-34 years.
(c) Hours worked in the week prior to the Census.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

The labour market in 2011 was much more flexible than in 1976. In 2011, a third (34%) of young adults who were employed worked part-time hours (less than 35 hours per week), compared with 11% in 1976. The increase was apparent for both men and women: in 2011, nearly half (45%) of employed women were working part-time hours, compared with around a quarter (23%) in 1976. For employed men, in 2011 nearly a quarter (24%) were working part-time hours, compared with only around one in twenty (4%) in 1976.

Many students may need to work part-time in order to support themselves while studying, and the increased flexibility in the workplace has made it easier for them to do so. In 2011, over a third (38%) of young adults attending an educational institution also worked part-time hours, while only one in ten (10%) did so in 1976. The option to work part-time hours has also allowed young adults more flexibility when managing their work hours based on their study needs, or vice versa.

These differences may be a reflection of the changes in the labour market. For example, since the 1970s, there has been a general fall in full-time job opportunities for young people. ( Endnote 8) In addition, there has been substantial growth in industries that offer part-time employment such as retail and hospitality services, while there has been a decline in industries that offer traditional full-time employment such as manufacturing. ( Endnote 8) Further, part-time work may be more appealing than full-time work for women who have children.

MORE CULTURALLY DIVERSE

The proportion of young adults born overseas has grown from 23% in 1976 to 27% in 2011. The countries where they were born has also changed, reflecting changing migration patterns.

In 2011, over half (53%) of young adults that were born overseas were born in Asia, around one in ten (10%) born in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 7% born in the rest of Europe. In contrast, in 1976 most of those born overseas were born in either the United Kingdom and Ireland (36%), or the rest of Europe (40%). Only around one in ten (11%) were born in Asia.

For more information, see Reflecting a Nation: Stories from the 2011 Census, 2012-2013, ' Cultural Diversity in Australia'.

PROPORTION OF YOUNG ADULTS(a) BORN OVERSEAS

(a) Aged 18-34 years.
Source: ABS Censuses of Population and Housing 1976 to 2011

ARE YOUNG ADULTS RELIGIOUS?

Young adults in 2011 were more than twice as likely as those in 1976 to have no religion (29% compared with 12%). While the increase was evident in the broader population as well, in 2011, the highest proportion of people who had no religion were young adults.

PROPORTION OF PEOPLE WITH NO RELIGION

(a) Aged 0-17 years.
(b) Aged 18-34 years.
(c) Aged 35 and over.
Source: ABS 1976 and 2011 Censuses of Population and Housing

In 2011 and 1976, the majority of young adults who stated a religious affiliation were Christian. In 2011, half (50%) of young adults were Christian, a decrease from 1976 when around three-quarters of young adults were Christian (74%). The largest non-Christian groups for young adults in 2011 were Buddhists (3%), Muslims (3%), and Hindus (2% ).

LOOKING AHEAD

The recent decades have seen many changes in the lifestyles of young adults. Compared with young adults 35 years ago, young adults in 2011 were less likely to be married, more likely to delay moving out of their parental home, more likely to work part-time, and have more educational qualifications. Further, young adult women are closing the gap in terms of workforce participation, and have now overtaken young adult men in educational participation.

Many of these trends may continue. The introduction of the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 was designed to financially assist working parents and allow them to remain in the workforce. ( Endnote 9)

The Australian Government has also introduced the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development, which aims to ensure future economic productivity by increasing the skill levels of the Australian people. ( Endnote 10) One focus of this agreement is to increase qualifications in higher education, and key targets of this agreement include halving the proportion of Australians aged 20-64 years without qualifications at Certificate III level and above between 2009 and 2020, and doubling the number of higher level qualification completions (diploma and advanced diploma) nationally between 2009 and 2020.

These policies, as well as other societal changes, will impact the lifestyles of current and future young adults.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

PARENTAL DIVORCE

Significant changes in social attitudes and divorce laws in the 1970s had a dramatic impact on the rate of parental divorce. In 1975, the Family Law Act 1975 was introduced and established the concept of no-fault divorce. Following this change in legislation, a spike in the divorce rate was seen in 1976, which later stabilised, albeit at a higher level than prior to the legislative change. Consequently, in recent generations, a higher proportion of young adults came from divorced families than in previous generations.

Data from the ABS 2006-07 Family Characteristics Survey reveal that around one in four (23%) young adults aged 18-34 years reported experiencing the divorce or permanent separation of their parents before they were 18 years old. In contrast, the same survey revealed that less than one in ten (8%) young adults who were aged 18-34 years in 1976 had experienced parental divorce or permanent separation before they were 18 years old.

For more information on parental divorce, see Australian Social Trends 2010, ' Parental divorce or death in childhood'.

CHANGING TIMES - WORLD EVENTS AND POPULAR CULTURE

Then
Young adults aged 18-34 years in 1976 were born between 1941 and 1958, with many of them being baby boomers (born in the baby boom after the Second World War). They grew up over the 1950s and 1960s. Many of their parents were born around the time of the Great Depression, and experienced the Second World War as young adults.

...In the 35 years to 1976
1942: The bombing of Darwin.
1944: Liberal Party of Australia formed.
1945: End of the Second World War.
1948: Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme introduced.
1949: Dismantling of the White Australia Policy begins.
1950: Communist Party Dissolution Bill passes in the Parliament of Australia.
1956: Mainstream television is first broadcast in Australia.
1958: QANTAS international services commence.
1959: Australia's population reaches 10 million.
1962: All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gained the unqualified right to vote in Federal Elections.
1964: National Service is reintroduced.
1965: Australia joins war in Vietnam.
1966: Removal of the 'marriage bar' from the Commonwealth Public Service Act allows women to keep their jobs once they marry.
1971: Australia's combat role in Vietnam ends.
1972: The Australian Labor Party wins its first Federal Election in 23 years.
1973: The White Australia policy ends.
1974: University fees abolished.
1975: The Governor General sacks Gough Whitlam and dissolves Parliament, the Liberal National Coalition wins the Federal Election.
1975: The Family Law Act 1975 established the concept of no-fault divorce in Australian law.

Now
Young adults aged 18-34 years in 2011 were born between 1976 and 1993, and form a large part of what many refer to as Gen Y (at the older end). Many of their parents are from the baby boomer generation, and they are the first generation to have the internet widely available.

...In the 35 years to 2011
1976: The first Vietnamese refugees arrive in Australia by boat .
1977: Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket is launched.
1979: Arbitration Commission grants maternity leave for all women in private industry.
1981: 1st Australian death from HIV/AIDS.
1984: Medicare launched.
1984: Advance Australia Fair proclaimed as national anthem.
1985: The Uluru National Park handed over to the Mutilulu Aboriginal community.
1986: The House of Representatives has its first woman speaker.
1987: Women surpassed men for the first time in participation in higher education.
1988: Australia celebrates its Bicentenary, New Parliament House is opened.
1989: The Higher Education Contribution scheme is introduced.
1989: The internet is introduced to Australia.
1991: The Industrial Relations Commission approves Enterprise Bargaining.
1993: The Native Title Act is passed.
1999: Australians vote 'no' to referendum on whether Australia should become a republic.
1999: The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act is passed by parliament, replacing the Affirmative Action Act 1986.
2000: The Sydney Olympic Games are held.
2003: The Iraq war begins.
2004: Facebook first launched.
2008: Prime minister Kevin Rudd apologises to Indigenous Australian for the stolen generations.
2008: Quentin Bryce sworn in as Australia's first female Governor General.
2010: Julia Gillard becomes first female Prime Minister of Australia.

Source: ABC Online, 2002, A Selected History of Australia , < www.abc.net.au >

EXPLANATORY INFORMATION

Data sources and definitions

The main data sources for this article were the ABS 1976 and 2011 Census of Population and Housing. However, the total proportion of young adults, as well as the proportion of young adults by state and territories, was derived from the Estimated Residential Population (ERP).

This article has used the geographical classification, Section of State, to define urban and rural areas. In this classification, Major Urban areas are population clusters of 100,000 or more people, Other Urban areas are population clusters of between 1,000 to 99,999 people, and non-Urban areas are areas with population clusters of less than 1000 people.

In this article, a young adult is defined as a person aged between 18-34 years.

Non-school qualification refers to qualifications at the postgraduate degree/diploma/certificate level, bachelor degree level, certificate I, II, III, IV level and certificates whose level could not be determined.
For any group, the number of employed persons expressed as a percentage of the civilian population in the same group is known as the employment to population ratio.

A person is considered to be in full-time employment if they worked 35 hours or more in all jobs during the week prior to Census Night.
A person is considered to be in part-time employment if they worked less than 35 hours in all jobs the week prior to Census Night.

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1997. Marriages and Divorces, Australia, 1996, cat. no. 3310.0, < www.abs.gov.au>.

2. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012. Marriages and Divorces, Australia, 2011, cat. no. 3310.0, < www.abs.gov.au>.

3. De Vaus, D. 2004. Diversity and change in Australian families: Statistical profiles. Australian Institute of Family Studies. < www.aifs.gov.au>.

4. Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) 2001, The National Report on Higher Education in Australia, < www.nla.gov.au>.

5. Lamb, S., Long, M. and Malley, J. 1998. Vocational education and training in Australia: an analysis of participation and outcomes using longitudinal survey data. Australian Council for Educational Research. < www.acer.edu.au>.

6. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005. Australian Labour Market Statistics, Jan 2005, cat. no. 6105.0, < www.abs.gov.au>.

7. Kilpatrick, S., Abbott-Chapman, J. and Bynes, H. 2002. Youth participation in education. A review of trends, targets and influencing factors. Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia. < www.crlra.utas.edu.au> .

8. Lamb, S., Dwyer, P. and Wyn, J. 2000. Non-completion of school in Australia: the changing patterns of participation and outcomes. Australian Council for Educational Research.< www.acer.edu.au>.

9. Commonwealth of Australia, 2010, Paid Parental Leave Act 2010. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. < www.comlaw.gov.au>.

10. Council of Australian Governments, 2009. National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development. < www.coag.gov.au>.

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4102.0 - Australian Social Trends, April 2013

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Related terms: Intergenerational change, societal changes, changing characteristics, young adults, 1970's, 2000's, traditional milestones, delaying milestones, baby boomers, generation Y, Census Young adulthood is a time of transition and growing independence. However the experiences of young adults today can be quite different to those in previous decades.

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Australian Government: services and payments for families

my.gov.au
This Australian Government website and app is a central and secure place to access a range of government services including Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support, the NDIS and the Australian Taxation Office.

Australian Government: useful websites for families

Australian Government
This is the official website of the Australian Government. Here you can find government information and services, with links to different departments as well as state and territory government websites.

Australian Government - Department of Education
This Department runs programs and services at all levels of education and is responsible for regulating child care in Australia.

Australian Government - Department of Health
This Department is responsible for medical, pharmaceutical, hospital and aged care services in Australia. It advises government on health policy and works with state and territory governments and other agencies to deliver programs, educate the community and promote better health.

Australian Government - Department of Social Services
This Department advises the Australian Government on social policy. It manages a range of programs and services for carers, families and people with disability.

Australian Institute of Family Studies
This Australian Government agency conducts research into family issues. The website has information and resources as well as links to other family-related websites.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This Australian Government agency provides information and statistics on health and welfare. The Institute collects and reports information on a wide range of topics and issues, including health and welfare expenditure, hospitals, disease and injury, mental health, ageing, homelessness, disability and child protection.

Family Relationships Online
This Australian Government website has information and advice about family relationships. There's a telephone advice line - 1800 050 321 - and links to Family Relationship Centres in each state and territory.

jobactive
On this Australian Government website you can search and apply for jobs, find apprenticeships and traineeships, and find your local employment services provider.

myfuture
This is a national careers information website, jointly managed by all the state and territory governments. It has extensive information about jobs, careers, education and training to help young people plan for their future. It includes a section for parents on helping your child choose a career.

You might also be interested in looking at the My School and Child Care Finder websites. These Australian Government websites offer at-a-glance information on schools and child care services throughout Australia.

Australian Capital Territory

Access Canberra
This is the main access point for ACT Government information and online services. You can also call the Access Canberra Contact Centre - phone 132 281.

ACT Government
The website of the ACT Government has links to government departments as well as information about the Australian Capital Territory and services available there.

ACT Government - Community Services Directorate
The ACT Government Community Services Directorate provides a range of services including children, youth and family support services, disability policy and services, therapy services, child and family centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services.

ACT Government - Education Directorate
The ACT Education Directorate delivers education services through government schools, registers non-government schools, and administers vocational education and training in the Australian Capital Territory.

ACT Government - Health
ACT Health sets health policy and plans the delivery of health services in the Australian Capital Territory. It also funds non-government organisations to provide health care.

New South Wales

Advocate for Children and Young People
The Advocate for Children and Young People is an independent statutory organisation within the NSW Government. It advocates for and promotes the wellbeing of children and young people in New South Wales.

NSW Government
This is the website of the NSW Government. Here you can find information about New South Wales and about services provided by the Government. The website has links to NSW Government agencies and departments.

NSW Government - Communities and Justice
This NSW Government agency is responsible for child protection and community services. It works with non-government organisations and other government agencies to provide child protection services, parenting support and early intervention, and foster care and adoption services.

NSW Government - Department of Education
This Department is responsible for regulating schools, TAFEs and child care in New South Wales. The website has a NSW public school finder and a section for NSW parents and carers that has a range of practical resources to help support children at school.

NSW Health
NSW Health manages health services in New South Wales. The website has an index of health information and downloadable resources. There's also information about NSW hospitals and immunisation advice.

Resourcing Parents
This website is funded by Families NSW and has information about parenting education programs and events in New South Wales, including online webinars and courses. It has an events calendar, notice board and resources for parents and for professionals working with parents and carers of children aged 0-18 years.

Northern Territory

NT Government
This is the website of the NT Government. The website has information about the Northern Territory and about NT Government initiatives, as well as links to Government departments.

Queensland

Queensland Government
The Queensland Government website has information about Queensland and Queensland Government initiatives, as well as links to Government departments.

Queensland Government - Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
This Department is responsible for adoption, foster and kinship care, child safety and youth services in Queensland.

Queensland Health
Queensland Health is responsible for hospitals, community and mental health services, aged care services and public health and health promotion programs. Its website has general information about Queensland Health and its programs. There is also a state-wide Health Contact Centre providing health advice, information, referral and triage services to all Queenslanders. Call 13 HEALTH (or 134 325).

South Australia

Government of South Australia
This is the website of the Government of South Australia. It has information about South Australia, and about services provided by the Government. The website has links to SA Government agencies and departments.

Government of South Australia - Department of Human Services
This Department is responsible for concessions for people on low or fixed incomes, disability support services and youth justice.

Parenting SA
Parenting SA is a program by the South Australian Government. The website has information for parents and carers on a range of parenting topics.

SA Health
SA Health manages hospitals and delivers health services in South Australia. Its website has current health alerts relevant to South Australia as well as information and contact details for Child and Family Health Centres and other health care centres throughout the state.

Tasmania

Service Tasmania
This website is a useful place to start if you're looking for government services in Tasmania. You can make payments, download forms and find information. Service Tasmania also has shops throughout Tasmania where you can access services in person, or call 1300 135 513.

Tasmanian Government
This is the website of the Tasmanian Government. It has information about Tasmania and about services provided by the Government. The website has links to Tasmanian Government agencies and departments.

Tasmanian Government - Department of Communities
This government department is responsible for child safety, adoption and support for grandparent carers. It also manages housing and disability services and provides services for children and young people in Tasmania.

Tasmanian Government - Department of Health
This Department is responsible for hospitals and health centres, health promotion and aged care. The website has a service locator for these and a range of other services also relevant to families.

Victoria

Victorian Government
This is the website of the Victorian Government. It has information about Victoria and about services provided by the Government. The website has links to Victorian Government agencies and departments.

Victorian Government - Department of Education and Training
This Department runs government schools in Victoria and regulates and funds early childhood services and non-government schools. Its website has resources for students and children, as well as a section for Victorian parents with practical information about child development and education from 0-18 years. There's also a directory to help you find an early childhood service or school in Victoria.

Victorian Government - Department of Health and Human Services
This Department manages disability services, housing and other community services in Victoria. Its website includes information about early parenting support, child protection, adoption and public housing.

Better Health Channel
This website is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. It has extensive information about healthy living and health services and support in Victoria.

Western Australia

Government of Western Australia
This is the website of the Government of Western Australia. It has information about Western Australia and about services provided by the Government. The website has links to WA Government agencies and departments.

Government of Western Australia - Department of Health
The Department of Health, or WA Health, manages hospitals and delivers health services in Western Australia. These include alcohol and other drug services, and mental health, dental health and Aboriginal health services. Its website has current health alerts for Western Australia and information about WA Health initiatives.

Government of Western Australia - Department of Communities
This Department is responsible for child protection, disability services, family support, housing and youth justice in Western Australia.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
my.gov.au This Australian Government website and app is a central and secure place to access a range of government services including Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support, the NDIS and the Australian Taxation Office. Australian Government This is the official website of the Australian Government.

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READ ME

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HSC Study Guide 2021 | The Sydney Morning Herald

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The latest HSC Study Guide 2021 news from The Sydney Morning Herald

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Information and BENEFITS of Flexible Workplace structures - great for unpacking the effectiveness/ impact on wellbeing of both employees and employers!

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Information and BENEFITS of Flexible Workplace structures - great for unpacking the effectiveness/ impact on wellbeing of both employees and employers!

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PC and IW - really good summary of LAWS and WORKPLACE STRUCTURES -> Shows how you can make awesome links (and of course, unpack FORMAL SUPPORT for P&C)

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Workplace structures (arguments for potential ineffectiveness) 

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Workplace structures (arguments for potential ineffectiveness) 

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In a case that reveals that existing anti-discrimination laws do not offer any protection to LGBTQI+ people who work in religious schools, Covenant Christian School located on Sydney's north shore sacked teacher Steph Lentz after she came out as lesbian.

"I was an English teacher at the school from January 2017 until January 2021 when I was dismissed, " Lentz told Star Observer.

Lentz dismissal was handed down in January 2021 via a written letter, which first praised Lentz for her teaching but went on to add that she had failed to affirm the school's Statement of Belief, including the "immorality" of homosexuality.

"Do you have a firm personal belief that all the beliefs contained in Section 6 "Response to the Gospel" in "The Foundation Statement" are true including that "Believers will also seek to use their bodies to honour God and will flee all sexual immorality, including sexual relations outside of marriage and homosexual practices," the letter read.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald , that first reported the case, in another "confidential" letter, Lentz was allegedly told that her beliefs were no longer consistent with that of the school.

Coming Out And The Backlash

Lentz told Star Observer that she was part of a conservative church for many years and had been struggling with her sexuality.

"I actually started working there when I was in a heterosexual marriage. I had been a member of quite a conservative protestant church for a number of years. For a long time, I had been grappling with my own sexuality. After my marriage broke down, I came out to myself for the first time, and part of that process and in the spirit of honesty and as a reflection of the agreement I was under at the school, I approached them in October of last year to tell them about my affirming stance on LGBTQI relationships and people."

"That's what began the correspondence which ended with my termination in January."

Describing her termination from the school as a "kick in the guts", Lentz tells us she "cherished the relationships that I had built up with students. I had great colleagues, there were a lot of positives about the time, however that is framed by certain views that are incredibly damaging to me but also to queer staff and students at the school."

Dismissal For Being Gay Is Legal Under The Law

Most Australians would be shocked to learn that #LGBTQ students and staff can be excluded or fired from religious schools. It's time to remove these outdated exemptions from our law rather than introducing new threats through the Religious Discrimination Bill #auspol https://t.co/6mZyULskML

- Anna Brown OAM (@AnnaEquality) August 9, 2021

Of course, Lentz's dismissal is perfectly legal under both Federal and State laws. A number of New South Wales based organisations in an open letter, implored NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman, to radically reassess the State's Anti-Discrimination Act.

"The Act needs to be updated to ensure LGBTQI+ people have access to the same remedies and are put on the same standard of protection as other groups. The Act is a mess, it needs to be updated because it is failing vulnerable groups in the community," Alastair Lawrie, PIAC's Policy Manager told Star Observer last week.

It is Lentz's belief that "the problems with the exemptions that allow religious organisations to discriminate against people on the basis of sexuality- is that it gives these organisations an excuse to not engage with queer people of faith."

"Not only is faith and queerness compatible and not contradictory, it also is incredibly damaging when we continue to insist that faith and queerness are at odds with each other, the mental health effects of that are dire.

"Institutionally what it means is that religious organisations like the school I was employed at, end up being devoid of teachers who can be role models for queer kids studying at those schools."

Remove Exemptions For Religious Schools

Write to you Government representative to stand against laws that would take us backwards: https://t.co/JLpwyJiP1n

- Equality Australia 🌈 (@EqualityAu) August 9, 2021

With the Federal Government planning to introduce the Religious Discrimination Bill in December, Lentz's story stands as a timely reminder of the threats faced by LGBTQI communities and individuals.

"My hope is that by winding back the exemptions and exposing what religious organisations are allowed to get with away currently, we can finally understand that that they are leading to detrimental outcomes." Lentz says in conclusion.

"I also think by making the political move to remove those exemptions, what it hopefully will do is result in a more equitable treatment of staff across these schools and other institutions."
If you feel distressed reading the story, you can reach out to support services. For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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Sydney Christian School Fires Out Lesbian Teacher Steph Lentz

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In a case that reveals that existing anti-discrimination laws do not offer any protection to LGBTQI+ people who work in religious schools, Covenant Christian School located on Sydney's north shore sacked teacher Steph Lentz after she came out as lesbian.

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The Department of Social Services partnered with communication and engagement specialists, The Social Deck, to host a free online seminar series about effective engagement with The Department of Social Services partnered with communication and engagement specialists, The Social Deck, to host a free online seminar series about effective communication an The Continence Foundation of Australia are encouraging people to upload the location of regional public toilets so users can then search for a convenience based on their location.

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Positive terminology/ representation in media - Youth; also access to services

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Positive terminology/ representation in media - Youth; also access to services

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Sherin Fishwick and her children are cooking up a storm in the kitchen of their Casula home in south-west Sydney. They're making bulk pasta - not for themselves, but those who need it more.

"The need continually grows for people in the community who are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table," Ms Fishwick said.

Sherin Fishwick and her children Ameera, 13, and Gabriel, 7, cooking pasta for the less fortunate. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Her family is among the millions of volunteers across NSW stepping up to donate their time during the COVID-19 crisis.

A comprehensive new report that measures the impact of volunteering shows that despite the difficulties of last year, both the number of volunteers and the time they gave increased compared to 2019.

The report, commissioned by the state government and peak body the Centre for Volunteering, found three in four adults in NSW volunteer in some capacity - either formally through an organisation or informally in their community.

These 4.9 million volunteers gave 1.5 billion hours in 2020, worth $127 billion to the economy.

Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate says the definition of volunteering is broad. It's not just flipping sausages at Bunnings or coaching a netball team, but includes helping neighbours or fundraising for a cause.

"Time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain," Ms Rygate said. "It doesn't have to be with a formal organisation - there's lots of informal stuff that's happening in local communities and people just helping each other out."

One of the key findings was that while COVID-19 sent particularly older people indoors, younger people sprung into action.

"Overwhelmingly young people really want to help out, that's the key motivation for people. They see a need or hear of a need and want to be able to help," Ms Rygate said.

Ms Rygate hopes being able to capture the extent of volunteering, and its value to the economy, will help organisations argue for more funding.

"[Now] we've got evidence to say for every dollar invested in volunteering there's a $3.30 return," she said.

Economist Paul Muller, a director at the Australian Institute of Project Management who authored the report, said the key was capturing "occasional spontaneous" acts of volunteering.

He said the report reveals "what we feel is the true level of volunteering in society".

"For people who don't volunteer, one in four of them are saying 'I just don't know how to. No one has asked me. I want to but just haven't been asked or approached,'" Mr Muller said.

In her Casula kitchen, Ms Fishwick has 150 meals ready for a driver to pick up and take to a Dignity homelessness hub.

From speaking to others who are helping make meals, she said it's clear the benefit from volunteering goes both ways.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.

Josh Dye is a news reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sherin Fishwick and her children are cooking up a storm in the kitchen of their Casula home in south-west Sydney. They're making bulk pasta - not for themselves, but those who need it more.

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Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size

Sherin Fishwick and her children are cooking up a storm in the kitchen of their Casula home in south-west Sydney. They're making bulk pasta - not for themselves, but those who need it more.

"The need continually grows for people in the community who are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table," Ms Fishwick said.

Sherin Fishwick and her children Ameera, 13, and Gabriel, 7, cooking pasta for the less fortunate. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Her family is among the millions of volunteers across NSW stepping up to donate their time during the COVID-19 crisis.

A comprehensive new report that measures the impact of volunteering shows that despite the difficulties of last year, both the number of volunteers and the time they gave increased compared to 2019.

The report, commissioned by the state government and peak body the Centre for Volunteering, found three in four adults in NSW volunteer in some capacity - either formally through an organisation or informally in their community.

These 4.9 million volunteers gave 1.5 billion hours in 2020, worth $127 billion to the economy.

Centre for Volunteering chief executive Gemma Rygate says the definition of volunteering is broad. It's not just flipping sausages at Bunnings or coaching a netball team, but includes helping neighbours or fundraising for a cause.

"Time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain," Ms Rygate said. "It doesn't have to be with a formal organisation - there's lots of informal stuff that's happening in local communities and people just helping each other out."

One of the key findings was that while COVID-19 sent particularly older people indoors, younger people sprung into action.

"Overwhelmingly young people really want to help out, that's the key motivation for people. They see a need or hear of a need and want to be able to help," Ms Rygate said.

Ms Rygate hopes being able to capture the extent of volunteering, and its value to the economy, will help organisations argue for more funding.

"[Now] we've got evidence to say for every dollar invested in volunteering there's a $3.30 return," she said.

Economist Paul Muller, a director at the Australian Institute of Project Management who authored the report, said the key was capturing "occasional spontaneous" acts of volunteering.

He said the report reveals "what we feel is the true level of volunteering in society".

"For people who don't volunteer, one in four of them are saying 'I just don't know how to. No one has asked me. I want to but just haven't been asked or approached,'" Mr Muller said.

In her Casula kitchen, Ms Fishwick has 150 meals ready for a driver to pick up and take to a Dignity homelessness hub.

From speaking to others who are helping make meals, she said it's clear the benefit from volunteering goes both ways.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.

Josh Dye is a news reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sherin Fishwick and her children are cooking up a storm in the kitchen of their Casula home in south-west Sydney. They're making bulk pasta - not for themselves, but those who need it more.

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A 4 year old explains Spina bifida for us 

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A 4 year old explains Spina bifida for us 

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Amazing resources for YOUTH made by NSW Government

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Amazing resources for YOUTH made by NSW Government

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Office of the Advocate for Children & Young People

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A selection of helpful resources relating to Covid-19 can be accessed on this page. The materials below provide information that has been collated from across government and non-government organisations. Adults are encouraged to guide children and young people through the selection below. These resources are also helpful for those with children and young people in their lives.

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Close The Gap - issues with effectiveness (helpful for EVALUATING) 

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Close The Gap - issues with effectiveness (helpful for EVALUATING) 

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‘A damning indictment’: Three graphs that show where Australia is not closing the gap

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The data is the first to be released in a new information hub to track progress on the new national Closing the Gap agreement last July. The first annual report will be released next month.

For the first time, the agreement measures progress on new priority reforms to involve Aboriginal organisations in decision making and the delivery of programs and the reduction of entrenched racism in government organisations.

Here is what the report found:
Not on target: Indigenous children in out-of-home care
The latest data: About 56.3 Indigenous children in every 1000 were in out-of-home care in 2020, an increase from 54.2 children per 1000 children.

At this rate, it won't make its target of reducing the number of children in care by 45 per cent by 2031 to 29.8 per 1000.

The new target was added to the new Closing the Gap Agreement, which replaced the 2008 National Indigenous Reform Agreement. Other new goals included reducing the incarceration rate of adults and youths in juvenile justice.

The current rate of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care is about 11 times greater than the rate for non-Indigenous children at 5.1 per 1000.

While the new data showed an increase in the number of Aboriginal children from zero to 17 years of age removed from their families, the rate stayed the same for non-Indigenous children between 2019 and 2020.

Background: University of New South Wales professor of law Megan Davis attributes the disproportionately large numbers of Aboriginal children in care to the lack of Indigenous self-determination and the failure of states and territories to place Aboriginal children with family or relatives.

Megan Davis, law professor from the University of New South Wales. Credit:Peter Braig

She said the high rates of children in out-of-home care tied directly to the continuing high rates of Aboriginal children in the juvenile justice system.

A NSW review of out-of-home care of Aboriginal children chaired by Professor Davis found the proportion of Aboriginal children placed with relatives had dropped from 68.7 per cent to 57.6 per cent in the past 10 years.

The Grandmothers Against Removal told a review by Professor Davis that placing Aboriginal children with non-Indigenous carers, even for short periods, resulted in them being cut off from their families. This amounted to "active, state sanctioned cultural genocide".
Getting worse: Indigenous deaths from suicide
The latest data: Indigenous deaths from suicide rose sharply to 27.1 per 100,000 according to the latest data from 2019. That compared to the baseline of 24.9 per 100,000 in 2018 and 16.7 per 100,000 people in 2009.

Under the agreement, no figure or percentage improvement was set as a goal because there is no acceptable rate of suicide.

To reach parity with the current rate of suicides among non-Indigenous Australians, the rate would need to be halved by 2031.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average rate of suicide in the five years to 2019 was 24.6 per 100,000 people for Indigenous people, nearly twice the rate as non-Indigenous Australians in the same period.

Background: The last federal budget included $79 million to develop culturally sensitive services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. This includes a 24/7 crisis hotline.

Mr Christian said a key part of the agreement was the structural reforms promised by the government. The Coalition of Peaks, representing 50 Aboriginal organisations, will work in partnership to hold the government to account for structural reforms, reduce racism and strengthen Aboriginal community organisations to deliver culturally appropriate programs.

"We know what works," he said.
Not on track: Indigenous incarceration
The latest data: The number of Aboriginal people in custody rose to 2081 per 100,000 adult population in 2020 from 2077 per 100,000 in 2019.

At the current rate, the government will not meet its target of reducing the rate to 1765 per 100,000 - a 15 per cent cut - by 2031. Even then, it will be about 12 times the rate of non-Indigenous Australians in custody.

Background: Since 2009, the number of Indigenous people behind bars has been trending upwards. While the rate of non-Indigenous people in custody has also increased since 2009, it dropped in 2020 to 156 people in jail out of every 100,000 population compared with 173 per 100,000 the year before.
On target, but still high: Youth detention
The latest data: In a sharp improvement, the new data showed a fall in the number of youths aged 10 to 17 years in detention across Australia to 31.1 per 10,000 compared with 1.4 per 10,000 for non-Indigenous.

At this rate, it will meet the goal of reducing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Street Islander youth in detention to by 30 per cent by 2031 if the current trend continued. Even then, there would still be more than 20 times the number of Aboriginal youths in detention in 2031 than non-Indigenous youths.

Background: Children who started life in out-of-home care are over-represented in the criminal justice system. The Australian Law Reform Commission reported in 2018 that they were 16 times more like to be in the juvenile justice system. More than 90 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths who appeared in a children's court went on to appear in an adult court within eight years-with 36 per cent of these receiving a prison sentence later in life.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights.

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'A strong indictment': Three graphs that show where Australia is not closing the gap

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The data is the first to be released in a new information hub to track progress on the new national Closing the Gap agreement last July. The first annual report will be released next month.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people– sense of identity

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people– sense of identity

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AFL 2021: I didn’t feel Indigenous enough, says Richmond Tiger Shane Edwards ahead of Dreamtime in Perth v Essendon Bombers

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A little embarrassed, the moment prompted him to mine his background to understand his story. He spoke to his mum and then to his grandmother Monica, who pieced much of his family's story together for him.

"I just didn't know anything about my background. I have been on a journey through my whole career finding out more and more and without having the Dreamtime or the KGI [the club's Korin Gamadji Institute] upstairs to encourage me to look more into my heritage I definitely would not know as much about myself.

"I don't look Indigenous. When people look at me I don't look like a stereotype Indigenous fella so I sort of have to take it upon myself [to understand heritage]."

He went on AFL Indigenous trips and felt uncomfortable. He was surrounded by other black players who all seemed to know more about their culture. He has spoken at length with fellow Indigenous players Tony Armstrong and Allen Christensen about dealing with being black but growing up outside a more typical Indigenous community.

On an AFL trip to central Australia Edwards was randomly sent to a community near Santa Teresa, south-east of Alice Springs. He thought at the time that it was a nice place but had no idea he had a connection to it. It was where his family was from.

A painting of Shane Edwards' great-great-grandmother Elsie cradling his great-grandmother Annie.

It was Arrernte land. It was near where a painting was made of his great-great-grandmother Elsie cradling his great-grandmother Annie, then just a baby, in her arms. The painting has been passed down through the family. That image is now woven into the design of the Indigenous jumper Richmond will wear in the Dreamtime game on Saturday night in Perth, against Essendon.

"My grandma was Monica, she was Annie's daughter, the baby in the painting. She avoided the stolen generation, but she also didn't know her mum for a long time. She was raised on a mission in Mount Gambier and reconnected with her mum at a later date, which itself was rare because normally the connections are lost and you can't find a way back through your heritage because of the stolen generation," he said.

"My grandma Monica passed away last year and her handprints are on the back of the jumper. She dedicated the back-end of her life to her family tree, to learning more about her side.

"Now I feel privileged to know a lot more about my family tree than most Indigenous people my age because of the work she put in. It was like aligning us together. She put it all together."

A detail on the Richmond jumper has a representation of the painting of Edwards' great-great-grandmother and great-grandmother.

The more he began to explore and understand his background the more confident Edwards became in himself. And the better footy he played.

"Whether it was coincidence or not, but knowing more about my Indigenous past I started playing better footy," he said.

"I think it had an effect on my footy. It's no secret that knowing more about your heritage makes you more confident in who you are and I think that did translate to my footy. I found out a lot more about myself in 2012 and that's pretty much when I started getting a few more kicks. It could just be a coincidence."

Working with Arrernte and Lurija woman Michelle Kerrin, Edwards has helped design this year's Indigenous jumper, 10 years after those first meetings- that prompted him to question his background. They worked on the design with teammate Jack Riewoldt, which is the first time a white player has been involved in the design of the jumper.

"And he is as white as it gets! Blond, freckles," Edwards said with a laugh.

Riewoldt and Edwards arrived at the club together at the same time and have been on a joint process of discovery.

While Edwards knew little of his own story, Riewoldt, from Tasmania, knew precious little about any Indigenous stories and was eager to learn.

"He has a vested interest in this part of the club. You can tell when someone is doing something because the club wants them to but Jack was like it's a part of him, he just does it," Edwards said.

"The fact Jack is involved just accelerates everything. It puts it from second on the agenda to first. He is a powerful voice. He does his homework as well. He is interested and he wants all Indigenous boys to succeed and looks after all the Indigenous boys on the field as well. He is really big with that.

"He took Shai [Bolton] and Dan Rioli straight under his wing when they get here. He has been huge for us."

So the Richmond jumper they helped design has a gum leaf for the yellow sash. The leaf has a brown side and a white side and they cross in the middle through a circle, representing the players' journeys intersecting at the MCG.

It also has a tiger paw print (for the Tasmanian tiger, as a nod to Riewoldt's background) and the words "the day I met my brother" on the breast.

"It's mainly about our connection and reconciliation. Our stories may be different in how we get there but we meet in the middle and it brings us together," Edwards said.

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'I almost felt like I wasn't Indigenous enough': Tiger star's personal journey

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A little embarrassed, the moment prompted him to mine his background to understand his story. He spoke to his mum and then to his grandmother Monica, who pieced much of his family's story together for him. "I just didn't know anything about my background.

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Access to affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

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Access to affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

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More than $259 million will be spent to build 250 new homes and renovate a further 7000 for Indigenous families as part of commitments to be made in the upcoming NSW budget.

Indigenous community housing groups have been pushing for more social and affordable housing for Aboriginal people, particularly in inner Sydney, and warning that development and rising property prices are aggravating a shortage of affordable housing.

NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey announced the funding. Credit:Kate Geraghty

"The government is investing in a range of services to reach more Aboriginal people, families, and communities to disrupt the cycle of inter-generational disadvantage, which benefits everyone," Water, Property and Housing minister Melinda Pavey said.

The Aboriginal Housing Office will deliver the new housing over four years.

Drainage, roads and footpaths in 10 Aboriginal reserves are to be upgraded at a cost of $34.1 million over three years under the Roads to Home program.

Many reserves lacked the basic public infrastructure and civic services most people took for granted, Mrs Pavey said.

"What you look out on can be what you are because if what you are looking on is a former mission that is messy, has no drainage, broken down cars - then that is a tough thing," she said.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said a total of $351 million had been allocated to improve Aboriginal services in 2021-22.

"This budget is not just about dollars; it is about our commitment to ensure funding is directed to the areas where it can make the most difference for Aboriginal communities across our state," Mr Perrottet said.

Other projects to be funded include $30 million over four years to pilot social impact investments, with the first round of investments to support women experiencing disadvantage, including young Aboriginal women.

The new Madoo Museum in the Hunter Valley is to receive more than $4.8 million. First announced in 2020, the museum will bring together local Indigenous artefacts stored in various sites around the region.

This includes the renowned Morrison Collection from the Australian Museum, featuring canoes, stone axes, clubs, spears and boomerangs.

A $4.75 million grant has been made to the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation and Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours to develop a wide-ranging Aboriginal experience in Coffs Harbour, including an eco-cultural tourism facility and outdoor amphitheatre.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the NSW government's investment in this area highlighted how it was listening to the community.

"By helping to achieve Closing the Gap targets, the social impact investment will support better educational outcomes," Mr Harwin said.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.

Linda Morris is an arts writer at The Sydney Morning Herald

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NSW to spend $250 million building and upgrading Aboriginal housing

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Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size More than $259 million will be spent to build 250 new homes and renovate a further 7000 for Indigenous families as part of commitments to be made in the upcoming NSW budget.

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Positive contribution to the community youth! 

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Positive contribution to the community youth! 

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Monash student’s quest to make all Victorian legislation gender neutral

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Why ‘him’? Student’s quest to scratch ‘he’ from the letter of the law

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After years of reading laws mentioning only “he” or “him”, law student Bonnie Logan is fighting for all legislation to be overhauled to make language gender-inclusive.

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This is a crazy story about surrogacy having to keep their surrogate baby for over a year!

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Kurt Fearnley (Paralympian talks advocating for people with a disability for the greater good)

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Dylan Alcott - advocating for people with disabilities 

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Dylan Alcott - advocating for people with disabilities 

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Kurt talking to kids about life with a disability 

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Kurt talking to kids about life with a disability 

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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ATSI - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (links to disability

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ATSI - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (links to disability

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https://www.nofasd.org.au/

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https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/aboriginal-funeral-transport-program

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The National Indigenous Australians Agency runs the Community Development Program (CDP). It helps job seekers living in remote areas get skills while looking for work in their own community.

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The National Indigenous Australians Agency runs the Community Development Program (CDP). It helps job seekers living in remote areas get skills while looking for work in their own community.

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education service for ATSI

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27 June 2017

2016 Census shows growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

The first results of the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today, show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represented 2.8 per cent of the population counted in the 2016 Census - up from 2.5 per cent in 2011, and 2.3 per cent in 2006.

Of the 649,200 people who reported being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin in 2016, 91 per cent were of Aboriginal origin, 5 per cent were of Torres Strait Islander origin, and 4.1 per cent reported being of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin.

While the Northern Territory has Australia's highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (25.5 per cent of the NT population), New South Wales is home to the highest number, with more than 216,000 people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin.

The Census also revealed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is younger than Australia's overall population, with a median age 23 years in 2016. This is substantially younger than the median age for non-Indigenous Australians, who had a median age of 38 years in 2016.

There have been increases in income levels within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population since the 2011 Census, with median weekly household income increasing from $991 to $1,203.

One in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reported speaking an Australian Indigenous language at home in the 2016 Census. A total of 150 Australian Indigenous languages were spoken in homes in 2016, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

Australian Statistician David W. Kalisch said Census data is high quality, thanks to the participation of Australians.

"The Independent Assurance Panel I established to provide extra assurance and transparency of Census data quality concluded that the 2016 Census data can be used with confidence," Mr Kalisch said.

"The 2016 Census had a response rate of 95.1 per cent and a net undercount of 1.0 per cent. This is a quality result, comparable to both previous Australian Censuses and Censuses in other countries, such as New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

"Furthermore, 63 per cent of people completed the Census online, embracing the digital-first approach and contributing to faster data processing and data quality improvements.

"2016 Census data provides a detailed, accurate and fascinating picture of Australia, which will be used to inform critical policy, planning and service delivery decisions for our communities over the coming years," he said.

Census data is available free online. Use one of our easy tools such as QuickStats and Community Profiles to access the latest data for your area or topic of interest.

For more information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, please see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander data summary.

You can also attend one of our free Seminars. To find out more about Census Data Seminar series, or to register, go to the ABS website.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

% of total Australian Population

Median age

Sex

State of residence

Languages spoken at home (other than English) %

Median household income (weekly)

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Census: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

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27 June 2017 2016 Census shows growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population The first results of the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today, show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represented 2.8 per cent of the population counted in the 2016 Census - up from 2.5 per cent in 2011, and 2.3 per cent in 2006.

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Watching Employable Me Australia in iview

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The Rose d'Or nominated series follows six individuals with disabilities on their journey to find a job; highlighting their skills and talents, as they work with experts and job coaches to harness their strengths.

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The Rose d'Or nominated series follows six individuals with disabilities on their journey to find a job; highlighting their skills and talents, as they work with experts and job coaches to harness their strengths.

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CAFS Specific resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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CAFS Specific resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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Skip to main content

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Finding Resources in Accessit

YouTube

This presentation was made to briefly educate people on the culture of Aboriginal Australian people. This presentation was created by two Aboriginal university students with the purpose to create awareness in the workplace.

Who We Are: Brave New Clan follow the lives of six exceptional young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who share stories about their communities, history and cultures in contemporary Australia.

The Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Package has been developed to assist Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta to meet the requirements of the Aboriginal Education Procedures. The Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Package contains resources specifically designed for Primary and Secondary schools, focusing on improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

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LibGuides: Community and Family Studies: Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples

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Skip to main content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

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A Guide to Using Respectful and Inclusive Language and Terminology

Using respectful and inclusive language and terminology is an essential component of reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. The ways in which we speak about reconciliation are just as important as the ways in which we act towards it; language is itself active, and can impact on attitudes, understandings and relationships in a very real and active sense.

Given the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities across Australia, you should always seek advice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in your local school or early learning service community regarding preferences and protocols around terminology use.

While they are guidelines only, below are some recommendations for using respectful and inclusive language and terminology. Please consider these guidelines, alongside guidance from your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, when preparing written messages such as your Vision for Reconciliation and Acknowledgement of Country statements, as well as in everyday communication:

Referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

It is often best practice to use 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander' when referring generally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 'Aboriginal' (and less commonly accepted variants such as 'Aboriginals' or 'Aborigines') alone is also not inclusive of the diversity of cultures and identities across Australia, for which reason it should be accompanied by 'peoples' in the plural*. Similarly, as a stand-alone term, 'Aboriginal' is not inclusive of Torres Strait Islander peoples, and reference to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be spelt out where the intention is to refer to all First Peoples of Australia. Pluralised reference terms such as 'First Peoples' or 'First Nations' are also acceptable language, and respectfully encompass the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities. Correspondingly, pluralisation should extend to generalised reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 'histories,' 'perspectives,' 'ways of being,' 'contributions,' and so forth. In respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities, it is important not to abbreviate 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander,' or to use the acronym 'ATSI.' Assimilationist terms such as 'full-blood,' 'half-caste' and 'quarter-caste' are extremely offensive and should never be used when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It is important to recognise that, in some parts of the country, the term 'Indigenous' can be considered offensive. That is, it has scientific connotations which have been used historically to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the 'flora/fauna' rather than the human population of Australia, and can be seen as a homogenising label for what are, in reality, highly diverse identities. An exception for the term 'Indigenous' is considered in some situations, for example:

If an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person prefers and/or has approved the word 'Indigenous' to be used;

If an organisation has appropriately referred to a program or job title (e.g. "Indigenous Programs Unit" or "Indigenous Programs Manager");

If the word 'Indigenous' has been appropriately embedded into an organisational i.e. Federal Government, State Government and Local Government-policy.

If referring to non-Indigenous (non-Aboriginal or non-Torres Strait Islander) Australians. Terms such as 'other Australians' or 'the wider community' may also be acceptable in this regard.

* To clarify the differing contexts of use between the terms "people" (singular) and "peoples" (plural):

"people" (singular) can be used where reference is being made to a single geo-cultural community, or to "Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals" (i.e. individual Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons). For example, one might make reference to "the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation," or to "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our school community."

"peoples" (plural) can be used where reference is being made to the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities/geo-cultural community groups across Australia. For example, one might make reference to "the Ngunnawal, Ngambri and Ngarigo peoples of the wider Canberra area," or to "the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures connected to Lands across Australia".

As capitalisation demonstrates respect, 'Aboriginal' and 'Torres Strait Islander' should always be capitalised. Capitalisation conventions are often also considered appropriate to extend to terms such as:

- Indigenous (see the note about the use of the term 'Indigenous' in the paragraph above, however);
- First Peoples/Nations/Australians;
- Elders;
- Traditional Owners/Custodians;
- Country (when referring to an area of land, sea and sky that is associated with a distinct group of people or First Nations community). Capitalisation can also be extended to corresponding terms such as 'Land,' when it is used in place of 'Country'), as well as to the names of particular Language Groups or geo-cultural communities;
- Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome to Country, and the names of other cultural practices (particularly if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander meanings or perspectives behind the words used to describe the practices - such as 'acknowledge' or 'welcome' - may be distinct to their English definitions or connotations).

Note that it is not necessary to capitalise the term 'reconciliation,' unless making reference to the name of Reconciliation Australia as an organisation, or the name of a formal program or document such as your Reconciliation Action Plan.

Avoiding deficit and dichotomous language

Acknowledging and addressing the historical - and often intergenerational - injustices and inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation is a critical component of reconciliation. Nevertheless, it is simultaneously imperative to acknowledge the strengths and resilience shown by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities in the face of discrimination, and to celebrate the continued significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions in shaping a shared sense of national unity and identity.

It is important to draw on empowering, strengths-based language, and to be careful not to perpetuate patronising or paternalistic rhetoric. Consider, for example, the difference between more deficit discourses such as "helping disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students," and a more strengths-based alternative such as "providing meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve at their full potential."

Remember that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures have survived across the Australian continent for tens of thousands of years and, as such, are not 'in need' of being 'rescued' or 'saved.' Reconciliation is about working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their strengths, not doing things 'for them' or 'to them'. Correspondingly, reconciliation processes and aspirations should not be described through dichotomous 'us' and 'them' language, and should instead concentrate on promoting mutually respectful and genuine two-way relationships of shared significance.

Recognising currency and continuity

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are connected to the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. For this reason, it is important not to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures in the past tense alone, recognising that these are indeed ongoing today.

Statements that relegate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to an "ancient past" were common in twentieth century education texts. However, such statements present static representations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and contributions that do not honour their continuing and current presence and significance. These representations also tend to ignore the tens of thousands of years of active Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions and connections to Country prior to European colonisation, misleadingly perpetuating the legal fiction of 'terra nullius' ('land belonging to nobody.')

Furthermore, in contrast to the longstanding presence and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, the relative recentness of European colonisation (and the even more recent reconciliation movement) should be actively considered in acknowledging and addressing the ongoing impacts of Australia's shared histories since colonisation.

Beyond terminological considerations specifically, you may also like to consider key messages pertaining to reconciliation in education more generally. Please remember that the above is a guide only, and should not replace the advice from your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. If, upon consulting with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, you find that the preferred terminology is different from the recommendations above, please contact us before submitting your RAP.

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A Guide to Using Respectful and Inclusive Language and Terminology Using respectful and inclusive language and terminology is an essential component of reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community.

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Delta Goodrem- temporary disability and how it impacted her well-being and sense of identity 

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Delta Goodrem- temporary disability and how it impacted her well-being and sense of identity 

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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How to teach the Glossary of Key Word Discuss

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Scanlon Report - Young Adults and Cultural Diversity

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Scanlon Report - Young Adults and Cultural Diversity

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We have used a range but worthwhile having a look through :)

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Youth resources | NSW Education Standards

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Exploring the four specific groups within the community

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Payments and services for you, your family or carers, if you have an illness, injury or disability.

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This is actually great!

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Right now, there are over 37,715 people experiencing homelessness in NSW.

These are the most vulnerable people in our community, and when times get tough, they rely on Wayside Chapel.

Our vision is 'Love over Hate', and for 56 years we have provided unconditional love, care and support to the most marginalised and vulnerable people who are isolated and sleeping rough on our streets.

Become a monthly donor to support our work and provide meals, personalised care and vital essentials to people experiencing mental health issues, isolation and homelessness.

Please stand with us. Become a Monthly Donor to help people in crisis.

How you can help

When you become a Monthly Donor, your ongoing support will provide food, shelter and care to people in need.
Your support will show people in crisis that they are not forgotten.

Keep Our Doors Open

Your support will ensure our doors are always open to provide ongoing support to an average of 226 people each day.

Provide Hot Meals

You will help provide over 220 meals each day for people experiencing homelessness and for people in crisis.

Personalised Care
You will keep our Community Outreach program running so everyone is given the personalised support and care they need.

Vital Essentials
You will provide vital necessities like clothing, food, showers, blankets, emergency accommodation, legal and medical care.

Stand With Us. Become a Monthly Donor today.

As a monthly donor, you'll receive:

A personalised Welcome Pack

A weekly 'Inner Circle' newsletter with behind-the-scenes stories direct from Pastor and CEO Jon Owen

VIP invitations to Wayside events including speaker nights and community events (live events are paused during COVID-19)

An annual donation statement at the end of the financial year

Can we help?

If you have any questions, contact Jess at monthlygiving@thewaysidechapel.com or call 02 9581 9101.

Andrew had a rough childhood. By 14, he was homeless. Wayside Chapel was there during his darkest times.
Being part of the Wayside community enabled him to get his life back on track and gain his self-confidence so that he could start giving back.

Yes, I will stand with Wayside Chapel.

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Right now, there are over 37,715 people experiencing homelessness in NSW. These are the most vulnerable people in our community, and when times get tough, they rely on Wayside Chapel. Our vision is 'Love over Hate', and for 56 years we have provided unconditional love, care and support to the most marginalised and vulnerable people who are isolated and sleeping rough on our streets.

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Key Verb breakdowns for RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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Key Verb breakdowns for RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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RM Key Verb Breakdown (Explain) How does a researcher select and utilise appropriate research methods to conduct effective research?  (8 marks).docx

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It's not ok to let someone sleep on the street and that's why we're doing something about it.

Every time I'm invited to an event to share the sleepbus story, people always ask; why?

At the beginning, after I saw the tiredest man I had ever see, my children told me I should do some thing about people sleeping on the street; so I thought I would. I created sleepbus to end the need for people to sleep rough in Australia. A safe place for people doing it tough to take a breath and provide an opportunity to workout their pathway out of homelessness.

If you're thinking about what you might do to help those on the street, may I ask that you take a look at not just what we're doing, but how we're doing it; we're having a crack and with your help we can end the need for people to sleep rough in Australia. Get onboard.

Simon Rowe | sleepbus Founder

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sleepbus® provides a safe, temporary overnight accommodation service, getting people off the street by offering an immediate, first stop, cost-effective solution for our society's most vulnerable; catching them early until they can get back on their feet. sleepbus® is an Australian Registered DGR not-for-profit charity.

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Good information about RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, Workplace Structures

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Promote the WHS through COVID-19 resources and keep WHS a priority in your organisation.

Preventing psychological injury at work during COVID-19 information sheet

Under WHS laws, employers must eliminate or minimise the risk to psychological health and safety at work so far as is reasonably practicable.

See our information sheet about preventing psychological injury at work during COVID-19 and beyond.

WHS best practice for employers - checklist

The WHS best practice checklist provides guidance on how to assess what your organisation is doing to implement best practice WHS.

Keeping WHS a priority in your workplace - information sheet

Every Australian workplace has been impacted by COVID-19. This information sheet provides guidance on how you can continue to model best practice WHS through COVID-19 and beyond, regardless of the size of your business or the industry you work in.

COVID-19 WHS - case studies

A series of COVID-19 case studies showcase WHS best practice in industries including, building and construction, office, retail and freight.

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Promote the WHS through COVID-19 resources and keep WHS a priority in your organisation. Preventing psychological injury at work during COVID-19 information sheet Under WHS laws, employers must eliminate or minimise the risk to psychological health and safety at work so far as is reasonably practicable.

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Great Aus Gov website with easy to find resources

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Great Aus Gov website with easy to find resources

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Check it out! So pretty too.

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Australia has great mental health resources, but it can be tough finding the right ones. Head to Health makes your search easier by hand-picking resources from trusted providers.

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Not as pretty as the 'Head to Head' one

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Another benefit for NDS members NDS is pleased to announce our new partnership with WorkPlacePLUS, providing Human Resources/Industrial Relations support to NDS members and associates.
The...

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National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia's peak industry body for non-government disability service organisations. Collectively, our 990 NDS members operate several thousand services for Australians with all types of disability. Members range in size from small support groups to large multi-service organisations.

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Words to help link your evidence/ examples

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Words to help link your evidence/ examples

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NESA Website - ALL past CAFS exam papers - and marker guidelines! 

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NESA Website - ALL past CAFS exam papers - and marker guidelines! 

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HSC exam papers | NSW Education Standards

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Find and download HSC past exam papers, with marking guidelines and notes from the marking centre (HSC marking feedback) , are available for each course.

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Rights and responsibilities in the workplace 

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Rights and responsibilities in the workplace 

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Checklist of things that employees have the right to know 

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YOUTH - Awesome things Year 12 Students did 2020 

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YOUTH - Awesome things Year 12 Students did 2020 

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Roaa Ahmed is 18, but she's no stranger to protesting for change. At just 10 years old, she took to the streets with thousands during the Egyptian revolution. Soon after authorities came banging on the door to arrest her teenage brother. "We were that type of family where we go and protest; we don't keep silent," she says.

The family fled Egypt and arrived in Australia in 2018 where Roaa found herself seeking advice from strangers on the streets of Bankstown. They pointed her to the local library and intensive English centre, which quickly changed her life. Two years later she is fluent in English, scoring top marks and preparing for her HSC at Beverly Hills Girls' High School, where she is also on the student representative council.

But her lifeline over the past two years has been volunteering with refugees and teaching Arabic each weekend. "The beginning of year 11 was a shock and the first term was so bad for me, I gave up on many things. I thought I'd go to find a volunteering place, so at least I could help people," she says. "I am passionate about helping people."

It gives her much in common with her new classmates in Sydney, who are emerging as a generation intent on making an impact. Their last two years have been rocked by COVID-19, economic uncertainty and the consequences of climate change. Says social analyst Mark McCrindle: "They've come of age at a time where wellbeing and mental health has been a focus, for good reason. There's anxiety and a sense of global competition: 'will I achieve all I should?'."

Like all young people, the year 12 class of 2021 are keen to tackle the world's problems. But they value making a difference and finding fulfilment in work more so than the generations before them. "[That focus] is a real badge of honour for them. Those insights say a lot of about the emerging leaders they will be," McCrindle says.

The new challenges they're coming up against also beckon new solutions. "They've recognised that the existing leaders don't have the answers and it's going to take a new generation to solve them," McCrindle says. As year 12 students commence their final chapter of school this week, many already have a clear agenda for change in mind.

Mental health is on the radar for Josh Seward, the school captain of St Augustine's College in Brookvale. Mental illness has always been prevalent in his northern beaches community, and even more-so since the pandemic struck. "Myself and my leadership team were interested in going a bit further and looking at how we can help our community and age group in the mental health space," he says.

The suicides of some year 11 and 12 students in northern Sydney last year sparked fresh concern for young people's wellbeing. "I think those stories and the COVID effect pushed us over the edge to making it a number one priority," Josh says. "It was always up there - we were always going to talk about it. But we weren't going to push it as hard until you hear those stories through friends or read those articles."

This year he wants all his peers to complete an accredited one-day mental health crisis course. "It helps you pick up on signs and symptoms. It means the senior boys have an understanding of what they're talking about; they're not having people ask for help and having no idea what to do or make it up on the spot. [That] would give the boys someone to talk to, if they didn't want to talk to staff," Josh says.

"Once this training day gets passed by the school, I'm hoping to take it to a young leader's meeting with our local member Zali Steggall, and present it there for all the schools in Warringah, with the hope that she would say: 'let's take it on and get it in all the schools'."

At the edge of western Sydney, in Llandilo, the captains of Xavier College are also determined to make the schoolyard a safer place for students. Head boy Huntley Jones witnessed the impact of bullying firsthand when his younger brother was a victim. "It hurt. I'd hate for anybody to feel like that," he says. "I want to start a ballot box where kids can write what's happening to them anonymously and we can talk to the students privately, without anyone else having to know."

Huntley is a member of the Kamilaroi nation and head girl Paige Manning is a Wailwan Wiradjuri woman; both have also taken leading roles at the Murama Indigenous Youth Summit over the past three years. "It's giving a voice to our culture," Paige says. "As young First Nations students, it's a way we can almost speak for our ancestors. We are the present and we are the future."

Part of their leadership has been instilling that same pride in younger students. "There are a lot of students who identify as Indigenous but don't want to get involved. That's hard to see as someone who is so proud to be Indigenous," Paige says. "It's nice being able to lead and let them know it's ok to be involved and how much of a family we are when we're all together."

School principal Michael Pate credits the students with shaping his own approach to leadership. "I learn from these two kids every day. They've humbled me in understanding what First Nations culture is all about," he says. "When it comes to January 26 - I'm very much with them; we need to change the date. Both Hunter and Paige are walking in two worlds. They're sharing that, in a way that any First Nations student at this school can be proud to say: 'I'm First Nations'."

Young people are the group most likely to support social change, such as moving Australia Day from January 26 out of respect to First Nations people. Their interest in human rights, social justice and the environment is growing, according to an analysis of student essays over the past decade by the Whitlam Institute.

"Despite the trust deficit our current democratic system has created, our children are actually keenly political and engaged," says director Leanne Smith. Students are choosing to write about global warming, pollution and climate change more as time goes on; latest assessment data confirms those among students' main concerns.

Santa Sabina prefect Eloise Struthers is among the new generation of environmental activists. Seeing coral lose its colour over separate scuba diving trips first inspired her to get involved with the school strike for climate movement in year 9. "I realised how many people cared and how many people my age were passionate about this," she says.

Eloise organised her school's own strike delegation the next year, and took up captaincy of the environment committee the year after. But she thought the school needed to do more. "Eloise advocated that there should be a new [environment and sustainability] role on the executive," her principal Paulina Skerman said.

Now in that inaugural position, Eloise has set a list of practical goals: changing the canteen's packaging from plastic to bamboo, filling the printers with recycled paper, and organising an energy audit to switch the school to LED lighting.

"But I also want to leave a legacy of inspiring change and leaving an environmentally conscious community," she says. "The main thing is I want a change of heart, within the school and beyond. Everyone has some sense of empathy. Genuinely talking to them is the most effective way, I've found."

Slam poet and aspiring author Jihad Yassine is more likely to change the world with the written word. The Punchbowl Boys' High School student has already published his first book of poetry, and will spend his HSC year working on another.

"I've always been in love with the idea of fantasy, being taken to another place by reading, feeling something different, creating a world where anything is possible for other people," he says. "I've always wanted to be an author. I want to give people a way to express themselves if they don't know how to. People read books to find inspiration of any sort, whether a poetry or a business book. That's my goal - to help people."

Roaa's goal is the same. "I am passionate about helping the people who don't have freedom," she says. "I faced that problem, so I know what it is to not have freedom. Everyone needs to have that: reading what they want, being what they want. I'm going to do that for women.

"We have a saying in Egypt that says: 'your freedom stops when you start hurting others'. This is my rule in life - as long as I don't hurt anyone and am keeping my voice respectfully, I have that voice."
Anyone experiencing difficulties should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Start your day informed

Natassia is the education reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Lead from the front: The year 12 students who want to make an impact

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Roaa Ahmed is 18, but she's no stranger to protesting for change. At just 10 years old, she took to the streets with thousands during the Egyptian revolution. Soon after authorities came banging on the door to arrest her teenage brother. "We were that type of family where we go and protest; we don't keep silent," she says.

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Here you can find a short guide and a few suggestions for postgraduate research students on how to get started on a literature review.

How could I write my literature review?

When writing your literature review, it is essential to remember that it will only be completed when your thesis is almost finished, because new research and publications are constantly being produced. At some stage you will have to be happy with what you have and leave it at that; however, you will be continually adding to your review and will probably rewrite it a number of times.

It is always invaluable to read the literature reviews in other theses. These will provide possible structural models for your own literature review. The UNSW library now has many theses available on-line, so it is easy to locate examples of current theses in your area of research. Check out the UNSW library website for the Australian Digital Thesis program. Another useful strategy is to examine how literature reviews are undertaken in journal articles, although these are generally much shorter.

It is important that your literature review has a logical and coherent structure, and that this structure is clearly apparent to the reader. It is a good idea to let your readers know exactly how the review is organised. Although the suggestions (below) are commonly used in structuring the literature in a review, these methods are by no means the only ways of organising material. Remember that that the way you choose to organise your review will largely depend upon the type of information that you have gathered. Also remember that some literature reviews use a combination of structural approaches.

Possible ways of structuring a literature review

Chronological organisation

The discussion of the research /articles is ordered according to an historical or developmental context.

The 'Classic' studies organisation

A discussion or outline of the major writings regarded as significant in your area of study. (Remember that in nearly all research there are 'benchmark' studies or articles that should be acknowledged).

Topical or thematic organisation

The research is divided into sections representing the categories or conceptual subjects for your topic. The discussion is organised into these categories or subjects.

Inverted pyramid organisation

The literature review begins with a discussion of the related literature from a broad perspective. It then deals with more and more specific or localised studies which focus increasingly on the specific question at hand.

Discussing and evaluating the literature

Critically examine the literature

The literature review needs to critically examine the texts that relate to your research question, rather than to just list what you have located. Therefore, you must link the literature to your research question, demonstrating how it supports or extends the topic or the existing knowledge in the area.

You should also highlight the strengths, weaknesses and omissions of the literature, providing a critique of the research. Hence, the language used in a literature review is often evaluative and demonstrates your perspectives of the literature in relation to your question.

Make your 'voice' clear

Your 'voice', that is, your perspective, position or standpoint, should be clearly identifiable in the literature review, as in the thesis as a whole. However, in the literature review because you are writing about other people's work it is easy for your own 'voice' to be lost. The literature review then reads like a mixture of different tones and arguments.

It is important that, firstly, your theoretical position is clearly and strongly stated and that your critical evaluations are an integral part of this. Secondly, it is important that your language indicates your own or other writers' attitudes to the question or issue. Some ways of using language to do this are outlined in the Text Sample on the next page.

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Getting Started on Your Literature Review

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Here you can find a short guide and a few suggestions for postgraduate research students on how to get started on a literature review. When writing your literature review, it is essential to remember that it will only be completed when your thesis is almost finished, because new research and publications are constantly being produced.

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A great overview of a literature review with interactive questions

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Menu

What is a literature review?

A literature review is a type of academic writing that provides an overview of existing knowledge in a particular field of research.

A good literature review summarises, analyses, evaluates and synthesises the relevant literature within a particular field of research. It illuminates how knowledge has evolved within the field, highlighting what has already been done, what is generally accepted, what is emerging and what is the current state of thinking on the topic. Additionally, literature reviews identify the gaps in the current knowledge - that is, uninvestigated or under-researched areas.

Whether the literature review is short or extended, similar structural and linguistic features apply.

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Menu A literature review is a type of academic writing that provides an overview of existing knowledge in a particular field of research. A good literature review summarises, analyses, evaluates and synthesises the relevant literature within a particular field of research.

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CAFS Notes Weebly - Managing Multiple Roles

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CAFS Notes Weebly - Managing Multiple Roles

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Individual Strategies for Managing Multiple Roles Negotiating and sharing roles
- Negotiate or share roles only to those with the capabilities to perform them
- e.g. In families with two working parents, household responsibilities must be shared equally depending on an individual's strengths and abilities, often via a roster format
- This occurs within the home, workplace, volunteer, religious and educational settings, often with individuals working in a team
- Working with an individual's strengths means the tasks will be completed and goals met more efficiently

Interchangeability of Resources
- Using labour-saving devices, such as microwaves and rice cookers
- Paying for cleaners rather than using your own time and energy

Sustainability
- Using solar energy rather than electricity
- Having a compost bin for kitchen and bathroom scraps (hair and tissues) that can later be used in the garden\

- The internet can be used to assist with grocery shopping, budget advice, quick education and 24-hour news
- Technological advances in fabrics and textiles has allowed for easier methods of washing and ironing
- Technology in cooking appliances (e.g. blenders and dices) has reduced both preparation and cleaning time, for instance, non-stick Teflon allows for ease of cleaning
- Pre-farmed and harvested foods in supermarkets as well as ready made dinners and food items brought about by technological advancement save labour

Formal Support
- Childcare available for working parents with young children
- Counselling services available for those unable to cope with daily life without professional support

Informal Support
- Friends or family to assist in raising or caring for a child
- Family support in life decisions and life in general forms a bond between the individual and their family, and supports the next generation from a young age

Utilising workplace structures
- When managing roles, individuals need to recognise the support structures that exist in the workplace
- Overcoming pride, negotiating and having knowledge will affect the effectiveness of accessing these structures
- Using these structures can enhance both emotional and economic wellbeing
- For instance, an individual working through a grievance pressure may find support by accessing the appropriate trade union.

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Individual Strategies for Managing Multiple Roles Negotiating and sharing roles - Negotiate or share roles only to those with the capabilities to perform them - e.g.

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Youth Employment and Skills - What jobs Match your skill set? 

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Youth Employment and Skills - What jobs Match your skill set? 

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Ideas for YOUTH EMPLOYMENT - 'preparing for work'

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Pick the right Career for you! Take the Career Quiz to get some motivation for study

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Pick the right Career for you! Take the Career Quiz to get some motivation for study

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ALERT The future growth information does not take account of the impact of COVID-19. If you are affected by COVID-19 there is a range of support available.

Employment prospects

Employment prospects can change over time and vary by region. Consider your personal interests and skills as well as job tasks, pay and conditions.

Job Outlook does not provide professional advice. While we aim to provide material that is accurate and up-to-date, use your skill and judgement, and seek advice suited to your circumstances.

Links to other websites are provided for convenience. We do not endorse material on those websites, or any associated organisation, product or services.

Job Outlook is an initiative of the Australian Government National Skills Commission. Job Outlook provides information about Australian careers, labour market trends and employment projections.

Contact Us

Email joboutlook@dese.gov.au, with your query. We will contact you as soon as possible.

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ALERT The future growth information does not take account of the impact of COVID-19. If you are affected by COVID-19 there is a range of support available. Employment prospects Employment prospects can change over time and vary by region. Consider your personal interests and skills as well as job tasks, pay and conditions.

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Jobs in the Future -
Finding your way in a changing world of work

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myfuture - Australia’s National Career Information Service | myfuture

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Shape your future with myfuture – sign up or log in to Australia’s National Career Information Service.

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Parenting doesn't stop for a pandemic and neither do we!

Tresillian is here for you - 7 days a week
Parents can now Self Refer to Tresillian services by calling our Parent's Help Line on 1300 272 736. Call now to talk to one of our experienced nurses about which Tresillian service will best suit you.

Tresillian's Residential Programs operate in NSW at Tresillian Canterbury, Nepean and Willoughby and in the ACT at the QEII Family Centre. The residential service is a statewide 4-night, 5-day inpatient service for families experiencing significant parenting challenges that require intensive intervention and strategies to promote family health and wellbeing.

The Tresillian team of child and family health nurses, psychologists, social workers, paediatricians and psychiatrists work in partnership with you to increase confidence; resolve concerns; and provide guidance and information on issues such as:

adjustment to parenting

breast or formula feeding

sleep and settling strategies

diet and nutrition

multiple babies

toddler behaviour

anxiety and postnatal depression

Locations in NSW

Locations in ACT

Age Range

Tresillian's Residential Services caters for families with children in the following age groups:

Tresillian Canterbury and Willoughby - birth to 24 months

Tresillian Nepean - birth to 36 months

Tresillian at QEII - birth to 36 months

Cost

Residential Services are covered by Medicare and/or your family's private health fund. If both parents stay overnight one parent is a boarder and an accommodation/meals charge applies per day. You will be advised of the current rate prior to your admission.

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Residential Stay | Tresillian Sleep School

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Tresillian is here for you - 7 days a weekParents can now Self Refer to Tresillian services by calling our Parent's Help Line on 1300 272 736. Call now to talk to one of our experienced nurses about which Tresillian service will best suit you.

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Formal Support

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Payments to help you while you study or complete an Australian Apprenticeship

We give eligible students, trainees and Australian Apprentices financial help with everyday costs of living and some study expenses.

Our intro to student payments video will give you an overview of what we offer.

Main payments for students

If you're studying, training or doing an Australian Apprenticeship, you may get 1 of 4 main payments.

Youth Allowance for students and apprentices is financial help if you're 24 or younger and studying or an Australian Apprentice either:

studying full time

doing a full time Australian Apprenticeship

independent or needing to live away from home to study

temporarily unable to study.

Austudy is the main income support payment if you're 25 or older and a full time student or Australian Apprentice.

ABSTUDY is financial help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Australian Apprentices.

Assistance for Isolated Children is a group of payments for parents and carers of children who can't go to a local state school because of geographical isolation, disability or special needs.

Other payments and support for students

You may get extra help if you're a student, trainee or an Australian Apprentice.

Education Entry Payment is a yearly payment you get when you start study and get certain income support from us.

Pensioner Education Supplement is a payment to help with study costs if you get certain income support payments.

Student Start-up Loan is a voluntary loan you can get up to twice a year if you're an eligible higher education student.

Help if you're moving to study

Fares Allowance helps with travel costs between your permanent home and place of tertiary study if you get certain payments from us.

Relocation Scholarship is a once a year payment if you get Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY. You must also move to or from a regional or remote area for higher education study.

Help with living costs

You might also get payments or assistance to help with your living costs.

Rent Assistance is an automatic payment if you pay rent and get certain payments from us.

Low Income Health Care Card is a card to get cheaper health care and medicines if you're on a low income.

Help while studying if you have a disability

Youth Disability Supplement is a payment if you have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability and get income support payments.

Find out what you can get

You can find out what payments and services you may be eligible for using our:

Ask us your questions on social media

You can ask us general questions on social media. You can also follow our accounts for regular updates and information.

Find us on:

More help and information for students

You can also get information and help from local organisations. Use Payment and Service Finder to find assistance in your local area.

Information about Australian Apprenticeships and tertiary study

Australian Apprenticeships provides information and resources about Australian apprenticeships and the support available.

My Skills is the national directory of Vocational Education and Training (VET) organisations and courses. It lets you search for and compare courses and providers.

StudyAssist provides information for students about Australian Government help for tertiary study, including information about subsidised fees and government loans. The website also has information about VET Student Loans.

Help with mental health issues

If you're experiencing depression, anxiety or stress, you may find it helpful to talk to somebody about your mental health.

You can talk to a social worker about your situation. You might get a payment from us if you're experiencing a crisis or need special help.

Headspace is the national youth mental health foundation and helps young people who are going through a tough time.

Help with managing your money

It helps to do some financial planning if you're a student in:

Take the stress away for your costs of travel, study and tools and have a budget in place. Read about how to manage money while you study or train.

MoneySmart also has tips to help students manage their money on the studying section of their website.

Related subjects

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We give eligible students, trainees and Australian Apprentices financial help with everyday costs of living and some study expenses. Our intro to student payments video will give you an overview of what we offer. If you're studying, training or doing an Australian Apprenticeship, you may get 1 of 4 main payments.

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AIHW 2019 'Australia's Welfare' document summarising the data (Pre COVID)

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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Employment trends - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

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Employment trends page on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website

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Have things changed??? Also Perceptions of Gender

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Should husbands help with the weekend housework? (1961) | RetroFocus

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Reporter asks - is your job boring?