What's Happ'nin' at Link Up
| STAFF MOVEMENTS | GREENMOUNT | VISITORS | PATS ON THE BACK | HEALING CAMPS |
This page is dedicated to informing you of what's happening with staff at Link-Up (Qld) in newsletter style.
Pats on the back
LUQ Communications Officer, Mick Angeles, has a featured story in the first Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders magazine, NGA-BOW which is published courtesy of The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Qld University of Technology, National Indigenous Radio Service, SBS, ABC, 98,9FM, NITV and Triple A Training. The title "NGA BOW " means 'gathering of our people' and has been a life-long dream of the editor in chief, Cynthia Griffiths, to tell our stories in a magazine format. Congratulations to Cynthia, Hayley Grieve, Heather Stewart, Michael Williams and Pauline Mulligan and all the team at NGA BOW.
Staff Movements...
Link Up (Qld) has taken onboard extra staff in the form of Caseworkers, Henrietta Hunter& Bernard Kelly-Edwards, based in Brisbane and Nicholas Thompson who is working out of the Apumipina Health Service in Bungalow, Cairns.
Another Caseworker position will be established in Townsville by February 2010.
Two new Brisbane based SEWB Counsellors, Ruthie Link and Matti Mistry will also be commencing with us in early February 2010.
Kerriann Toms has also joined us as Reception/Admin officer.
Also gracing our little clan are Temp employees Monica Prakesh and David Hodges who will be assisting with Foxtrot data entry.
HEALING CAMPS
Mudjimba 2009
Link-Up (Qld) hosted its third Healing Camp for our clients and families. The 3½ day camp took place in the beautiful, tranquil setting of the Mudjimba Apex complex on the Sunshine Coast. Programs organised for the camp included Vision Boarding, Massage and Yoga Therapy, Jewellery making, Hair Salon, Yarning Circles, LIVE entertainment with ABBA and Elvis, an impromptu performance by the Indigenous Belly Dancing troupe and more. A total of 42 clients and staff attended the retreat. The ladies (and men) took advantage of the facilities offered at the hair salon and treated themselves to colours, foils and cuts to look absolutely fantastic for Saturday night’s entertainment…..(after watching the Broncos defeat the Dragons).
Other visitors holidaying at the complex were the football team from St Brendan’s Catholic College in Yeppoon which included a number of Indigenous players. They invited our group to join them around their fire pit for an informal reconciliation Yarning Circle on Sunday night. This spontaneous gesture proved a successful outcome for all who attended and lasted well into the night with everyone sharing their stories.
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Ewen Maddock Dam 2008
Thirty seven clients of Link-Up (Qld) were treated to a wonderful healing weekend at the picturesque Ewen Maddock Dam complex. Camp co ordinator, SEWB Counsellor, Helen Bnads, organised a fabulous retreat to help heal the sorrow and mental scars inflicted on our clients. Activities included Yarning Circles, Dadirri, Healthy Eating principles, Yoga and Massage, Herbal Remedies, Bush Tucker, Visual Boarding, Art Workshops, Traditional Dancers, Singalongs and even "Elvis" made an appearance. The changes in the faces and outlooks of the clients from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon were evidence enough to prove the success of the event. They went from "Friday Frowns" to "Sunday Smiles".
VISITORS
Justice Entry Program students
Janelle McCarthy paid a visit to the LUQ office along with 10 of her students who are Indigenous Trainees studying on the Justice Entry Program. Our future Police Officers. They were given a presentation of the services offered at Link-Up by Communications Officer, Mick Angeles with cameo input from LUQ CEO Melisah Feeney and Case Work Manager Brye Marshall.
UQ Indigenous Studies students
Two students studying at University dropped in for a presentation on Link-Up services and some insight into Indigenous culture and practices. As part of their Indigenous Studies course, they have to approach Indigenous community organisations to get a "grassroots" education of the issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They were trully amazed at the presentation given by Mick and Ramona.
Staff Retreat, Greenmount
Link-Up (Qld) staff attended a two day retreat at Greenmount on the Gold Coast to recharge their batteries and to strengthen the bonds and ties that make the office a tight, family styled workplace. The weekend was facillitated by Tjanara Goreng-Goreng, who heightened our cultural awareness and spirituality with traditional song, soul-searching and traditional medical practices and Gaye-Brielle Buckingham from the College of Mind, Body & Spirit, who took care of the physical needs with massage, yoga and breathing clinics. Nearly all members of Link-Up (Qld) were present including our remote counsellors from Nambour, Rockhampton and Cairns. Unfortunately, Paul Paulson and Aunty Kay were absent due to sudden illnesses.
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Last updated Tuesday, 01-Jun-2010
