UnitingCare Wesley says that..... they are still desperately short of donations for Christmas gifts for children, the level of donations is about 75% lower than last year.... (Broadcast 15 December, 2008)

For many of the children in the 1500 families, assisted by UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, the only gift they are likely to receive is the one donated by people like you.
No contribution is too small, for example individual cosmetics items can be packed together by volunteers to make great gifts for teenage girls.
To help, just leave unwrapped gifts under the Christmas Tree at Target stores, drop them in to 10 Pitt St, just by the Central Market or phone 8202 5112 to donate, that number again – 8202 5112

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we can all have a Merry Christmas.

UnitingCare Wesley says that.... they are still desperate for donations for Christmas gifts for children.... (Broadcast 8th December, 2008)

They are currently packing 1500 Christmas hampers for families who will be ‘doing it tough’ this Christmas.
For many of the children in these families, the only gift they receive is likely to be the one passed on by community service agencies like UnitingCare Wesley.
Currently donations of gifts are 75% less than at the same time last year, so the need is urgent.
No contribution is too small, for example individual cosmetics items can be packed together by the volunteers to make great gifts for teenage girls.
To help, just leave unwrapped gifts under the Christmas Tree at Target stores, or drop them in to 10 Pitt St, just by the Central Market.


UnitingCare Wesley ..Together we can all have a Merry Christmas.

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that .... today is white ribbon day.... (Broadcast 25th November, 2008)

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the White Ribbon has become the symbol for the day.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said :
Violence against women and girls continues unabated in every continent, country and culture. It takes a devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families, and on society as a whole. Most societies prohibit such violence — yet the reality is that too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned.
Men, in particular, are encouraged to wear a white ribbon to show that they will say something when violence against women occurs or is discussed.

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we can end violence against women.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... make time to appreciate the little things in life.... (Broadcast 21st October, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley reminds you that that Mental Health Week was recently observed.
This year, the question that we were asked to think about was "What are you doing to maintain your wellbeing?"
Building resilience is crucial to maintaining our wellbeing. We know that for physical wellness, prevention is better than cure, similarly resilience helps us to better cope with life’s various stresses.
One way to build personal resilience is to appreciate the little things in life. This helps us to develop positive thinking and an optimistic outlook on life. Focusing on the positives and dwelling less on the negatives is one way we can build our emotional resilience, this then reduces stress and enhances our mental wellbeing..
Caring for our mental wellbeing is as important as maintaining our physical health.

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we appreciate the little things in life.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... make children our priority... (Broadcast 10th October, 2008)

Uniting Care Wesley says that nurturing children is probably the most import task that any parent will ever undertake.
Last week the Productivity Commission released its report on Paid Parental Leave.
They said that paid maternity leave must be generous enough to allow new mothers, who are working, to be able to stay home for the first 6 months of their baby’s life. The recommendation is that Government fund 20 weeks paid parental leave, paid at the minimum wage, for new mothers.
The estimated total cost is $450 million per year. This is a small price to pay for the benefits that our society gains.
Nobel prize winning economist, Robert Heckmant says that the best possible use of public funds is to "invest in the very young".
Paid maternity leave is a great investment.

Uniting Care Wesley ..Together we can make children our priority.

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us this week is "Anti Poverty Week" (Broadcast 14th October, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that this week is ‘Anti Poverty Week’, a time to consider ways of overcoming poverty, both in Australia and through the rest of the world.
One in eight South Australians is currently living in poverty. Using the Poverty Line measure of ‘half of the middle income for each household type’, 47% of single people over 65 years and 17 % of sole parents are living below this poverty line
Incredibly, using this measure, poverty rates have increased by fifty percent over the last decade, a period of high and continuous economic growth. Poverty in Australia can be eliminated with appropriate action, particularly from government. Priorities include:

• Increasing the supply of affordable housing.
• Increased support for public hospitals and disease prevention.
• Improved assistance for new parents.

Uniting Care Wesley …..Together we can eradicate poverty.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... make children our priority... (Broadcast 30th September, 2008)

Uniting Care Wesley says that nurturing children is probably the most import task that any parent will ever undertake.
They emphasise that parents need support with parenting.
Former Australian of the Year, Fiona Stanley, is reported as saying that “there is an increasing group of parents who are just not making ends meet.”
Probably one in five parents struggle with parenting because of low incomes, work pressures and undeveloped parenting skills.
This week the Productivity Commission has released a major report considering Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave.
Uniting Care Wesley believes the Commonwealth Government must respond promptly to the recommendations from this report…
And the State Government must also help by increasing supports for families with young children under 5 who are struggling with parenting.

Uniting Care Wesley …..Together we can make children our priority.

UnitingCare Wesley highlights... The Importance of keeping regulation. .... (Broadcast 22nd September, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley says that last weeks global economic crisis provides some very important lessons for our community.
The first lesson is that regulation of essential services and products, and independent regulators to enforce regulation is a significant part of the fabric of our society. Regulation sets appropriate standards, enables transparency and protects citizens.
While some business groups regularly lobby for removal of regulation, for example calling for removal of red tape and more flexibility, the reality is that it is each of us as taxpayers who end up paying when things go wrong as has happened with international financial markets.
The second lesson is the value of acknowledging good regulators, and in South Australia we are particularly well served with an outstanding regulator, the Essential Services Commission, a team of highly competent, professional and independent regulators..

UnitingCare Wesley…Encouraging sound regulation.

UnitingCare Wesley... Targets to reduce Greenhouse gas emmisions. .... (Broadcast 16th September, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley reports that a bit over a week ago, Professor Ross Garnaut released the latest report from the Climate Change Review. This report deals with “Targets and Trajectories” for reducing carbon emissions in Australia.
Ross Garnaut proposes that Australia should reduce carbon pollution by 20% of year 2000 levels by the year 2020 and then reduce emissions by 80% from year 2000 levels by the year 2050.
While there is argument that these targets are either too harsh for industry or too weak for the environment, they are modest but helpful targets and the focus now should be for each of us to be doing what we can.
Australians have one of the highest levels of carbon emission per person, so it shouldn’t be too hard to use energy more wisely.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can reduce carbon pollution.

UnitingCare Wesley is ... urgently needing donations of used clothing and household goods. .... (Broadcast 8th September, 2008)

Demand for affordable clothing and household items continues to grow, but donations to Goodwill have slowed during the Winter months.
So now it’s officially Spring, it’s a great time to take the clothing that you don’t wear much anymore, to a Goodwill donation bin.
Over 50 years ago Goodwill was established to provide the dignity of an affordable shopping opportunity for low income people.
Goodwill continues to be a very popular place to shop, for, bargain hunters, people looking for something a bit different and lower income people .
Goodwill is also one of the state’s largest recycling businesses too.
Goodwill is operated by UnitingCare Wesley, so every cent earned helps to fund vital services like Lifeline.

What can you put in a Goodwill donation bin this week?

UnitingCare Wesley looks at ... the importance of keeping electricity price regulation. .... (Broadcast 25th August, 2008)

A recently released draft report from the AEMC, the Australian Energy Market Commission, found that electricity and gas markets in South Australia are competitive.
The really important issue behind this review and its findings is about the best ways to protect energy consumers from excessively high energy prices. The approach favoured by the AEMC is that a competitive market without any price regulation is the best protection.
UntingCare Wesley has argued, in it’s submissions, that keeping a regulated price cap is crucial for ongoing protection for households. It is significant that the South Australian Government has also shared this opinion and maintains a strong commitment to energy consumer protection.
Ongoing energy customer protection is crucial for affordability of essential services.
For more information, google AEMC or MCE (that’s the Ministerial Council on Energy).

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can protect energy consumers.

UnitingCare Wesley ... looks at principles for a fair tax system. .... (Broadcast 11th August, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley says that last week another very important government report was released, - the review of Australia’s tax system by Treasury Secretary, Ken Henry.
Australians pay less tax than citizens in many comparable countries, but we are rightly concerned about how much we pay. An equally important question is “What is Tax used for?”
Taxes are used for the whole range of services that all citizens benefit from. So future tax reform measures should be required to pass three tests.
One Adequacy – is enough tax raised to pay for the services we need?
Two Fairness – do we all pay tax according to our ability to pay?
Three Efficiency – do tax measures lead to unintended consequences?
These three principles; adequacy, fairness and efficiency must be central to any changes of our tax system

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can develop a fair tax system.

UnitingCare Wesley highlights... the importance of looking out for each other..... (Broadcast 4th August, 2008)

In many rural communities this pressure is being exacerbated by uncertainty about water for crops, creating uncertain futures.
These financial pressures often result in relationship stress and can also lead to people withdrawing from their communities.
People who withdraw from everyday life can become depressed and even have suicidal thoughts.
UnitingCare Wesley says that we can all keep a lookout for people from our normal routines who we haven’t seen lately. If you notice this happening, give the person a phone call to say ‘hello’. They’re probably busy, but may appreciate someone who will listen for a few minutes.
And don’t’ forget Lifeline is always available, twenty four seven on 13 11 14

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can cope with the tough times.

UnitingCare Wesley ... looks at water pricing proposals.... (Broadcast 28th July, 2008)

The issue of water pricing received considerable attention in South Australia last week.
UnitingCare Wesley says that the overcharging issue involving SA water was a mistake that has been turned into a bigger issue than it is, however, there are three major issues at play.
First many households are financially stressed and simply cannot cope with the ongoing price rises across basic household costs.
Secondly the water pricing system is no longer appropriate. A water price path should be set, in advance of any rises, every 3 years, by the Essential Services Commission of SA – this is how electricity prices have been managed after major increases 5 years ago.
Thirdly water consumers need to have their complaints dealt with independently, the Energy Ombudsman would be the obvious person to also deal with water pricing problems.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can keep water prices fair.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... remember reconciliation week.... (Broadcast 2nd June, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley notes that last week was reconciliation week, intended to reflect on achievements so far and on what must still be done for reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians One event was the Don Dunstan Foundations Lowitja O’Donahue lecture that was presented by Rev Tim Costello.
His key themes deserve to be repeated

Tim spoke about investing in Aboriginal leadership rather than just in programs or services.
Secondly he reflected on Aboriginal people who have said “That times were better under the missions”. It is sad that after 30 years government services have not significantly improved the lifestyle and welfare of aboriginal people.
The missions made plenty of mistakes, but they did build long term, well meaning relationships, this is a lesson for today
Rev Costello’s third reflection was on the need for a Treaty

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can reconcile Australian communities

UnitingCare Wesley has been closely following the outcomes of the 2020 summit.... read more... (Broadcast 28th April, 2008)

The event was significant for a number of reasons, including that it was a rare opportunity for us all to think about the sort of nation that we want. The summit also provided a stimulus for ongoing action.
An ongoing action that UnitingCare Wesley is hoping evolves from the various summit ideas is a commitment to eradicate child poverty, in Australia, by 2020.
Unfortunately there was some cynicism about this idea when Prime Minister Hawke said that "no child need live in poverty"
However, the reality is that we can at least go very close to eliminating child poverty by 2020. It is achievable and it is a challenge that deserves to be embraced.


UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can eliminate child poverty

UnitingCare Wesley tells us that a significant review of the South Australian retail energy markets is underway..... read more... (Broadcast 21st April, 2008)

This review is being undertaken by a new national regulatory body called the AEMC, this is the Australian Energy Market Commission.
The real issue here is about price caps: price caps for residential electricity customers – people like you and me.
More specifically, if the South Australian electricity and gas markets are found to be competitive, then there is grounds for the AEMC to recommend the removal of price regulation for standing contracts for residential customers.
UnitingCare Wesley is committed to maintaining electricity price protection for low and modest income households.
If you want to know more about this review, Google ”AEMC” and go to their home page, then follow links to "Review of Effectiveness of Competition "

UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can keep electricity affordable

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that the 2020 summit will be held in Canberra this coming weekend.... read more... (Broadcast 14th April, 2008)

UnitingCare Wesley believes that the summit provides a fantastic opportunity for government and public servants to focus on the long term aspirations of Australian citizens, and most importantly, to hear public opinion.
For those of us not at the summit, it is still a great opportunity to ask; "what really matters?"Is it climate change, affordable housing, water, hospitals, public transport, jobs or something else?
You can find out what other people think, just Google 2020 summit.
And you can still express your ideas by ringing your local member of parliament, writing to the Advertiser or being interactive with 5AA.
Go on, think about what really matters for Australia,

UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can create the Australia that we want

Goodwill is urgently needing donations of used clothing and household goods..... read more... (Broadcast 7th April, 2008)

Demand for affordable clothing and household items continues to grow, but donations to Goodwill have slowed over the last couple of months.
Now that the weather is cooler, it’s a great time to take the clothing that you don’t wear much anymore, to a Goodwill donation bin.
Over 70 years Goodwill was established to provide the dignity of an affordable shopping opportunity for low income people. Goodwill continues to be a very popular place to shop, for low income people, bargain hunters and people looking for something a bit different.
Goodwill is also one of the state’s largest recyling businesses too.
Goodwill is operated by UnitingCare Wesley , so every cent earned helps to fund vital services like Lifeline.

What can you put in a Goodwill donation bin this week??

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... consider holding a "Pancake Day" fundraising event during February.... (Broadcast 14th January, 2008)

Since Easter is so early this year, Shrove Tuesday better known as Pancake Day, is on 5th February, and this date is approaching quickly.

UnitingCare Wesley is asking us to get behind UnitingCare Pancake Day, and register to hold an event at home, school, in the office or a community location.
Funds raised from ‘pancake day’ will go to services for people facing housing stress. For example, the high cost of housing is forcing rents up and some low income people are forced to spend up to 50% of their after tax wage on rent.

For information on how to register your pancake event go to www.pancakeday.com.au, or freecall 1800 060 543... that’s 1800 060 543.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we we can support Pancake Day!

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to... help spread some Christmas Cheer.... (Broadcast 29th November, 2007)

They have just finished taking registrations for Christmas hampers and gifts for children for Christmas this year.
The number of requests received means that a record number of hampers and gifts need to be found.
You can help in a couple of ways…
Firstly, gifts for children can be left under a Christmas tree in Target stores, please think about teenagers when purchasing a gift, sporting goods make great teenager gifts.
From next Monday, you can also help with hampers by making a financial donation at any Commonwealth Bank branch.
Or you could drop in to 10 Pitt St Adelaide, just by Her Majesty’s Theatre with your donation.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can share a Happy Christmas!

UnitingCare Wesley is asking you to ... help spread some Goodwill.... (Broadcast 6th November, 2007)

Goodwill is just about the original recycling business, offering affordable clothing and household goods, while generating income for services like Lifeline.
Last year Goodwill recycled 35,000 tonnes of goods that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Goodwill is currently desperately short of clothing for their shops, so they are asking you to donate any clothing or household items that you no longer need, but which are still in good condition.
Donations can be placed in the green Goodwill bins that are located around Adelaide, or for larger quantities, Goodwill can collect from your home.
To contact Goodwill, ring Sharon on 8262 4437, that’s 8262 4437.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can help Goodwill raise funds.

Affordable housing.... Where do you elect to live?.... (Broadcast 23rd October, 2007)

The cost of buying a house has dramatically increased in the last decade.
Two decades ago a family on an average wage paid three times average annual income for a house, now it is nearer eight times annual income and rising.
Affordable housing reduces poverty, improves health and mental well being and creates a fairer society
The availability of affordable housing is vital for a community that values it’s citizens. It is worrying that UnitingCare Wesley is seeing an increased number of people struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.
There needs to be a concerted national cooperative approach to affordable housing in Australia. All political parties need to commit to an Affordable Housing Agreement with the States, no matter who is in government.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can make housing affordable.

Anti-Poverty Week... what can we do?.. (Broadcast 15th October, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that this week is Anti Poverty Week.
The sad reality is that a significant number of citizens live in extreme disadvantage, compared to the rest of us - this is poverty.
The reality is that poverty can be eliminated in Australia and we all need to play our part. UnitingCare Wesley has identified four areas for action in Australia:

1. Establish anti poverty targets for Australia
2. Extend employment skills training for under-employed people
3. Increase community based mental health programs
4. Increase the supply of affordable housing

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can eradicate poverty.

Mental Health.... everyones responsibility.. (Broadcast 8th October, 2007)

There are two actions that we are all encouraged to be involved with, particularly during Mental Health week.
The first is to give some attention to our own mental well being, things like thinking about the things that really matter to us, including our hopes and dreams. We can also spend a little time with some of the people that are most important to us is .
The second action is to recognise that most people recover from mental illness. Recovery may not be quick or easy, but providing encouragement, support and talking about dreams and aspirations are parts of recovery that we can all help with.
For more information, just Google “Mental Health week”

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can encourage mental well being.

Child Protection.. encouraging child safe practices.. (Broadcast 6th Sept, 2007)

As a society we have come a long way over the last couple of decades and are increasingly concerned about the abuse of children.
However, it is clear that we still have some way to go.
When an abuse case collapses in court, in part because of the ongoing legal intimidation of the alleged victim, there is a clear need for reform of the legal system to ensure fairness for the victim.
Last week, a judge told a pastor that his misrepresentation of scripture to justify abuse of his own daughters ‘defied belief’. It is clear that churches need to be much more vigilant in repudiating abuse.
UnitingCare Wesley is actively Child Safe, because child abuse is never acceptable.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can protect our children.

Baby bonus... supporting adolescent choices.. (Broadcast 23rd July, 2007)

Our community continues to be concerned about reported lifestyle choices by young people, including concern that some young women may be getting pregnant to receive the $5,000 baby bonus.
In working with families and young people at risk, UnitingCare Wesley notes that adolescence is a time for all of us of living for the moment and experimenting with adulthood. In terms of human development, longer term planning usually develops in the mid-twenties.
So it is exceedingly uncommon for a young woman to consciously get pregnant for income in the distant future - nine months time.
It is important that government policymakers and parents remember that adolescence is a stage of growing up, not being grown up.
The supports that adolescents need include, accurate information about lifestyle choices and consequences with opportunities to develop identity supported by love and affection.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can support adolescents.

Celebrating NAIDOC week... affirming Aboriginal culture.. (Broadcast 16th July, 2007)

Last week UnitingCare Wesley joined South Australia’s Aboriginal community in celebrating NAIDOC week. The week affirmed the proud history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Recently, the Federal Government has focused considerable energy on the need to protect Aboriginal children. UnitingCare Wesley is encouraged that this and other long-standing issues are finally getting the attention they deserve.
However as part of this push the Federal Government wants to make some far-reaching and unrelated changes.
UnitingCare Wesley is concerned at the Government’s refusal to release $25 million for desperately needed housing in South Australia’s APY lands, unless those communities agree to remove key aspects of their permit system.
Removing the permit system will make it easier for drug smugglers, paedophiles and loan sharks to exploit these vulnerable communities.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can help build safe Indigenous communities

Energy regulation... keeping energy affordable? (Broadcast 11th July, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley tells us that there are major changes to energy regulation underway. The Retail Policy Working Group has just released a major discussion paper for comment.
This paper deals with critical issues associated with the move to national energy regulation.
The issues being considered include: Should there be customer protections specific to energy, or are general consumer protection laws adequate?
Should price regulation be removed?
When can households be disconnected from electricity or gas supply?
Then there are more detailed questions about the amount of information on energy bills, payment options and marketing rules,
UnitingCare Wesely is preparing a detailed response, arguing for consumer protection to be strengthened.
Google: “Ministerial Council of Energy” and follow the links.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can keep energy affordable.

Focus on homelessness... overcoming homelessness.. (Broadcast 2nd July, 2007)

Cold weather often prompts us to focus on homeless people, we realise that people would not choose to be homeless on near freezing nights.
UnitingCare Wesley says that homelessness is an avoidable condition of modern society, but it is a problem that can be solved.
Of course there are no easy answers as people can be homeless for a wide range of reasons; mental health, sexual or physical abuse and poverty are all factors.
Governments, developers and community organisations need to be cooperating to build houses that are affordable, providing opportunities for people who go to crisis services.
In the short term, we can all assist by donating jackets, sleeping bags etc to UnitingCare Wesley at 10 Pitt St, just by the Central Market.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can overcome homelessness

Protecting Aboriginal children... taking steps to make a difference.. (Broadcast 25th June, 2007)

The Federal government has declared a National Emergency response to protect Aboriginal children from abuse. UnitingCare Wesley commends the Government for its concern for keeping children safe.
However there are no quick fixes for complex problems. Both short and long term plans will be needed to overcome Indigenous disadvantage.
Those plans must provide safety for children as well as address basic needs like housing, education and health.
Recognition and support must also be provided to the Aboriginal communities that are strong and working well, places like Umoona community at Coober Pedy.
Separating children from harm is an important first step in providing safety. Providing them with a secure and great place to live will take a lot more than is being offered at the moment, both in the short and longer term.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can help build safe Indigenous communities.

Adelaide Indigenous Business Centre.. encouraging Indigenous Business.. (Broadcast 8th May, 2007)

Last week, Aboriginal leader, Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue opened the Adelaide Indigenous Business Centre that’s managed by UnitingCare Wesley, to incubate small indigenous businesses.
What this means is that the centre provides significant amounts of assistance and shared facilities to help small businesses through the many early hurdles that can stop an emerging business from growing.
By minimising set up costs and providing mentoring and advice, the centre intends to assist 70 new aboriginal businesses to become established over the next couple of years.
Professor O’Donohue said that is was encouraging that Aboriginal people are starting to be seen as entrepreneurs, risk takers and business leaders.
The early signs are very promising, with energetic young aboriginal entrepreneurs working to establish a wide range of new businesses.
To find out more ring 8413 1801.

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can encourage Indigenous Business

Power for the people.. protection for domestic energy consumers.. (Broadcast 30th April, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley is concerned by current proposals to reduce protections for domestic energy consumers.
The debate comes from the Federal Government’s taking over of energy regulation, this has traditionally been a State responsibility where South Australia has been very well served by ESCoSA.
The Federal Government and electricity industry wants to remove price caps in electricity and gas prices and also wants to minimise energy specific consumer protections, including disconnection and hardship provisions.
UnitingCare Wesley is advocating for both price caps and consumer protections because electricy and gas are essential services and so cannot be treated like goods on a supermarket shelf.
If you are interested in the current energy debates, and have some time, check out the Ministerial Council of Energy website: www.mce.gov.au

UnitingCare Wesley…Together we can protect essential services

Pancake day with UnitingCare - have a pancake..lend a hand! (Broadcast 20th Februrary, 2007)

UnitingCare reminds us that today is Shrove Tuesday, better known as Pancake Day.
UnitingCare’s Pancake Day is an annual event that raises awareness of the impact of poverty in Australia. Funds are raised for UnitingCare’s work with disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
The theme is “Share it around”, meaning that we can all contribute to help people who are disadvantaged.
UnitingCare Wesley in South Australia provides over 150 different services to assist people who are homeless, facing poverty, dealing with relationship stress or simply need a hand.
So UnitingCare is urging you to support local groups that are selling pancakes this week to raise money for services to alleviate poverty and disadvantage.
There is enough for everyone if we “share it round”, so buy a pancake this week.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can share it around – with pancakes!

Uniting Care Wesley reflects on the meaning of Citizenship - how can we celebrate our citizenship?.... (Broadcast 8th February, 2007)

UnitingCare Wesley is asking us to reflect on Australia Day that we celebrated last month. In particular, they are encouraging us to think about “Citizenship.”
Citizenship ceremonies are a feature of Australia Day.
Citizenship is much more than oaths of allegiance or waving a flag that form the formal part of citizenship ceremonies. Citizenship needs to be about enjoying the contributions that each person makes to our community and sharing the many different skills and experiences that each of us has to offer.
Citizenship is also about embracing shared national values which need to about valuing the many language and cultural communities who have always been a part of Australian society.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can celebrate citizenship

Uniting Care Wesley appreciates the consideration of cultural diversity .... how can we enjoy our cultural diversity?....

UnitingCare Wesley has commended the SA Government on the Australia Day release of the next version of the SA Strategic Plan.
On its release the Premier said that the plan had been updated “to take account of the views and priorities of the thousands of South Australians”
Unitingcare Wesley is particularly heartened that the plan recognises that South Australia has a rich cultural mix of citizens with about 25% of South Australians being born outside Australia and coming from over 150 countries.
A goal of the plan is increase the percentage of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in our community.
It’s worth finding out more about the SA Strategic Plan, visit the website, "Stateplan"

UnitingCare Wesley, Together we can enjoy our cultural diversity

Uniting Care Wesley is asking how we can best improve our society? ....how do we develop good social attitudes?(Broadcast 23rd January, 2007)

Thinker in residence, Fraser Mustard, has been talking about the importance of early childhood development. He demonstrates that children who get the best care and support in early years, have the best ability to learn and are least likely to develop anti-social behaviours as they grow up.
The first 18 months of life are critical for brain development and therefore future life opportunities.
The current debate about parenting leave is therefore one of the most important debates our community can have; supporting new parents to spend quality time with their children is a very cost effective way to improve our community.
Let ’s encourage our political parties to focus on the best policies for our children, particularly as the federal election approaches.

UnitingCare Wesley....together we can put our children first.

As a new year commences, Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide is encouraging us to think about the issues that we could work on this year, as a community, that would most improve our society.......how can I help?(Broadcast 16th January 2007)

Housing affordability has been in the news lately and is a strong contender as an area where major progress is needed, this year.
There is debate about whether housing for lower income people is best provided by private investors or through government backed bodies like the SA Housing Trust has historically provided.
What chance do our children have of owning a home when housing prices are at record high levels?
As a community we need to be telling our federal and state politicians that governments have a role to build houses and to support community housing, to ensure that everyone is able to afford adequate housing.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can reduce social isolation.

As a new year commences, Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide is encouraging us to think about the issues that we could work on this year, as a community, that would most improve our society.…a good question to toss around during a BBQ?(Broadcast 9th January 2007)

A modern irony is that while communication technologies have lead to more communication, levels of isolation and loneliness are probably greater than at any time in history. For example, loneliness is a major reason for people ringing Lifeline.
Overcoming social isolation is not something that is appropriately left for governments to fix, we all need to play our part in reducing isolation.
As a simple new year resolution, how about making an effort to speak with someone from your neighbourhood who you do not often catch up with.

UnitingCare Wesley…together we can reduce social isolation.

UnitingCare Wesley is inviting you to rediscover the spirit of Christmas this year, part of this might be to help with donations for Christmas toys and hampers. To find out how you can help with donations for Christmas toys and hampers - Click here (Broadcast 15th November 2006)

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is still needing to raise funds that will provide hampers for disadvantaged families and about 1500 gifts for children who would otherwise go without a Christmas present.
Hamper packing is in full swing, but UnitingCare Wesley still needs to fund 500 hampers for this Christmas. Gifts for teenagers are also needed. Their goal is that no-one will go without the opportunity to join in with Christmas celebrations.
The great news is that corporate supporters AMP, ETSA Utilities, Portfolio Partners, ING and Yellow Couriers have already contributed.
You can help too by ringing 8202 5111 that’s 8202 5111

Uniting Care Wesley...Together we can rediscover Christmas

UnitingCare Wesley is inviting you to rediscover the spirit of Christmas this year To find out how you can help with donations for Christmas toys and hampers - Click here (Broadcast 13th November 2006)

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is needing to raise funds that will provide Hampers for 1300 disadvantaged families and about 1500 gifts for children who would otherwise go without a Christmas present. UnitingCare Wesley needs $50,000 before Christmas, to meet the anticipated demand. Their goal is that no one will go without the opportunity to join in with Christmas celebrations.
The great news is that Corporate supporters AMP, ETSA Utilities, Portfolio Partners, ING and Yellow Couriers have already contributed. You can help too by ringing 8202 5111 that’s 8202 5111 or "click here"

UnitingCare Wesley.... Together we can rediscover Christmas.

UnitingCare Wesley endorses awareness of systematic problems: UnitingCare Wesley thinks it is worth recapping some of the main points from a speech last week by Dr Ken Henry, the Secretary of the Australian Treasury. - Click here for more (Broadcast 6th November 2006)

He talked about our economic boom that has generated record levels of profits and taxes. Dr Henry suggested that this is an ideal time for Australia to address ‘a host of systematic problems.’ In particular he talked about indigenous deprivation and failing to measure the true costs of water, timber and other environmental assets
UnitingCare Wesley endorses this approach. It is appropriate that during the good times in the economic cycle, opportunities are taken to deal with the systemic problems our nation confronts. It is difficult to think of higher priorities than building indigenous communities and valuing our environment

UnitingCare Wesley.... Together we can solve systematic problems

UnitingCare Wesley reminds us that this week is Anti-Poverty week: How can poverty be eased? (Broadcast 16th October 2006)

The sad reality is that some Australian citizens live in extreme disadvantage, compared to the rest of us, this is poverty.
The groups in our community most likely to experience poverty are single young people working casual jobs with low wages, sole parents, indigenous peoples and people with mental illness
The reality is that poverty can be eliminated in Australia and we all need to play our part. UnitingCare Wesley has identified four areas where our governments can make a difference:

1. Establish anti poverty targets for Australia
2. Improve the focus of employment skills training for under-employed people
3. Increased commitment to community based mental health programs
4. return to 1980’s levels of funding for public housing
   
   

UnitingCare Wesley......Together we can eradicate poverty