Building communities, connecting people - DCSI - SA.Gov.au

Feature.
2
Edition
May 2012
Profiling innovation and development in the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion.
Building
communities,
connecting
people

Contents
Editorial
Editorial 2
Domiciliary Care’s
Dementia Day Program 4
Building friendships
one block at a time 5
Building communities
at the local level - The
Community Building
Team, Housing SA 6
Linking neighbourhoods
for people with disability 8
A new approach to
regional collaboration
in Adelaide’s north 9
Post-school Options and
Beyond Expo 10
Building communities
through employment 11
Building pathways for
blokes on the block 11
Employment in remote
Aboriginal communities 13
Helping communities
rebuild after a disaster 15
Feature is produced by the Department
for Communities and Social Inclusion.
Electronic copies are available at:
www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/research/
To provide feedback or comments,
please contact 8413 8171 or email:
dcsiresearchcommunications@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Job Number: DCSI-155
ISSN 1839-2024
Communities matter to people. Where we
live influences our access to opportunities,
our daily lived experience, and our health,
safety and wellbeing. And, despite changes
in how and with whom we relate, local
communities are still an important place for
relationship and connection; identity and
care; and for access to services and resources.
On 21 October 2011, Premier
Jay Weatherill announced
changes to government
departments, including
the establishment of the
Department for Communities
and Social Inclusion (DCSI).
DCSI has been created to
support and enable the South
Australian Government’s
commitment to engage with
and build communities. The
Department brings together
a range of services, funding,
planning, and policy functions
designed to support vulnerable
people in the community and
build community capacity
and engagement. These
include social housing and
homelessness; disability and
ageing services; as well as
Social Inclusion; Multicultural
Affairs, the Offices for
Youth, Women; Volunteers;
the Southern Suburbs; and
Northern Connections.
Together, we have a unique
opportunity to work with
and for communities across
South Australia.
2 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

The concept of community
and the role it plays in people’s
lives has changed enormously
over recent years. People in
the 21st century are mobile
and their communities diverse
and scattered, built around
multiple roles and interfaces
and accessed through
different mediums. However,
whilst this may suggest that
local communities are less
important, in fact we see the
opposite. There is a resurgence
of interest in community, an
appreciation of its impacts and
a valuing of what it has
to offer. We also understand
that where a person lives
affects their opportunities
and contributes substantially
to wellbeing.
Further, the features and
qualities of the communities
we want into the future are
matters of active debate.
South Australia’s Strategic
Plan includes a vision of
communities which are
vibrant places to live, work,
play and visit. Thinker in
Residence Dr Alexandre
Kalache has challenged us
to consider communities
through an age-friendly lens,
and commit to planning
and building communities
which are inclusive of all.
The Integrated Design
Commission, established to
support sustainable and livable
communities, is currently
leading discussion on what
makes a city livable, and our
aspirations for Adelaide into
the 21st century.
We are also aware that
loneliness is a daily and difficult
struggle for many people.
Loneliness, disconnection
and social isolation are one
of the greatest challenges
our society faces. Helping
people connect with others
– building relationships, care
and simple neighbourliness –
is central to the concerns in
building communities in the
21st century.
Feature has been designed
to profile innovation and
development across our
portfolio. For this edition
we have chosen a theme
of Building Communities,
Connecting People. The
work that is profiled here
includes initiatives to build
connections for people who
are isolated, especially children
and adults with disability. We
also discuss some outstanding
work targeting long-term
joblessness in disadvantaged
communities. High-level and
complex regional planning
is exemplified in work led by
Northern Connections; at the
other end of the spectrum,
a new partnership has been
borne out of community
concerns for their young
people living with disability.
On-the-ground community
development approaches
are also demonstrated as
effective responses to highly
stressed neighbourhoods,
as well as to communities
affected by disaster.
A strong theme in all these
articles is the importance of
partnership. We can only
build communities by working
together. This is an aspect
of our work that DCSI will
continue to strengthen into
the future.
As a companion piece to this
edition, we are also releasing
the first of our new ‘think
pieces’ on working with and
for communities. Building
Communities aims to stimulate
thinking and debate around
community building and
community issues, including
about the role of DCSI in this
process. Please read this in
conjunction with Feature –
we hope both contribute to
lively debate and support a
growing knowledge base on
community building.
DCSI is committed to working
with and for communities,
always in partnership with
others, to support vibrant,
viable, diverse, inclusive and
connected communities of
opportunity for the people
of South Australia. It is also
our vision that the benefits
within communities should
be accessible to all, and
sustainable into the future.
Joslene Mazel
Chief Executive
Department for Communities
and Social Inclusion
Feature Magazine May 2012
3

Domiciliary Care’s Dementia Day Program
Helping people with dementia stay connected
Dementia currently affects
approximately 269,000 people
across Australia, including
approximately 21,800 people
in South Australia. After a
dementia diagnosis, concern is
often focused on the person’s
symptoms, behaviour and
care needs, rather than on the
person as an individual. In fact,
the growing social isolation of
people with dementia, as well as
their carers, is one of the most
invidious aspects of the illness.
Losing the ability to communicate
can be one of the most
frustrating and difficult problems
for someone with dementia.
People find it increasingly
difficult to express themselves
and understand what others say.
They can become isolated and
disconnected, losing friendships
and relationships, as well as
their ability to participate in the
community. Catching public
transport, dealing with others and
simple daily tasks become more
difficult and people gradually lose
interest and confidence in getting
out and about.
People’s social and
communication needs are the
major focus of Domiciliary Care’s
Dementia Day Program, which
operates five days a week at
four sites across metropolitan
Adelaide. The Program provides
people with the opportunity
to socialise with others, make
connections and take part in
activities to stimulate their minds
and bodies according to individual
abilities and interests. A wide
range of activities and outings are
available, including low impact
exercise, ball games, crafts,
puzzles, music and gardening.
Those who can manage a
similar level of activity attend
together. Transport to and from
the program is a key element
in supporting access, as is the
support that staff can provide
to help meet the physical and
behavioural care needs which
often preclude involvement in
mainstream community activities.
For many people, the Program
is the only opportunity they
get to engage with the world
outside their homes, or for their
carers to take a break from
the constant vigil of caring for
loved ones. Carers frequently
notice lasting benefits, including
calmer behaviour and less
anxiety. The skill maintenance
and socialisation provided in the
program, along with the respite
the carer gains, are often key to
a person being able to continue
to remain at home.
For more information
contact Jim Gillespie,
Supervisor, Domiciliary Care,
phone (08) 8440 6731 or
jim.gillespie@dcsi.sa.gov.au
National Facts and Figures
> > An estimated 269,000
Australians currently live
with dementia
> > Without a significant medical
breakthrough, this number
is expected to soar to about
981,000 by 2050, with
50,740 in South Australia
> > Each week there are 1500
new cases of dementia
diagnosed in Australia.
> > Dementia is the third leading
cause of death in Australia,
after heart disease and stroke
> > One in four people over the
age of 85 have dementia
> > Dementia is the single
greatest cause of disability
in older Australians (aged
65 years or older).
4 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

Building
friendships
one block
at a time
Once a week, in a small building
in Victor Harbor, a group of
young people are working
together to build friendships
and social skills in a unique way.
These are the founding members
of the Victor Harbor Disability
Services ‘Lego Club’. Here, the
once solitary play of constructing
models and buildings from Lego
has become a group adventure
of learning.
Lego Club began last August
with the aim of providing a social
learning space for children with
an Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD). Group members range
in age from 6 – 12 years, and
include some siblings of children
with an ASD who act as peer
mentors. Lego Club members are
supported by trained facilitators
who model social behaviours,
assist group members to problem
solve and resolve conflicts, and
provide support for emotional
regulation. Video modelling is
also used to assist the many visual
learners in the group sustain their
social learning.
Families involved in Lego Club
have already been impressed with
the level of enthusiasm shown
by the young members, “We
haven’t been able to stop him
from counting down the days
until the next group”, says one
parent. Members of the group
have also shared their enjoyment
of having a place to belong.
“Lego Club is the first club I have
been in”, commented Jeffrey, a
peer mentor in the club. There
are also encouraging signs of
friendships being continued
outside of the group. “I know
some of these kids from my
school, but I didn’t play with
them before”, explains Lachlan.
Lego Club is based on the
principles of ‘Lego therapy’,
devised by Canadian psychologist
Daniel LeGoff in the early 1990’s.
LeGoff ran a psychology clinic
that specialised in running social
skills groups for children on the
autism spectrum. He noticed that
the interactions between children
in the waiting room, which had
a large box of Lego, were often
far better than those he was
achieving in structured programs.
He wondered what it was about
the Lego that encouraged social
interaction for children with ASD.
The Victor Harbor Lego Club has
adopted the key principles of
Lego therapy and have added
some local flavour to their
activities, including an exhibit
in the local Port Elliot Show in
October 2011.
For more information
please contact the Victor
Harbor Disability Services
Team, on (08) 8552 0600 or
erin.anear@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Feature Magazine May 2012
5

Building communities at the local level -
The Community Building Team, Housing SA
A grass-roots community building
approach in Housing SA is
achieving outstanding results.
The Community Building Team
has developed a unique approach
to addressing community issues.
The team receives referrals from
local Housing SA offices, usually
about streets or areas where
there are problems, such as
the dumping of rubbish, poor
property conditions, or conflict
between residents.
The first step for Team Manager
Sean Malone is doing background
research. What are the issues
in the area, and is community
development the right approach
Also important is developing
a local profile - who are the
local residents, what is the
mix of housing stock and who
are the key stakeholders This
information guides strategies
and approaches – for example, a
block of flats where residents are
predominantly young single men,
will need different strategies than
a street with older residents, or
for a mixed community.
The next step is the critical one of
engagement. The first approach
will often simply be knocking
on doors, inviting people to a
gathering to discuss local issues.
These gatherings are usually
based around food – for example,
a BBQ or morning tea - whatever
is likely to be work best in the
target area. Getting people
together, engaged and talking
may take one event, or several.
The Team’s ‘issues pad’ (recording
what people think are the issues
in their local area) is an important
strategy. Gradually the focus
moves to solutions.
The Team helps residents
develop options and potential
solutions, encouraging them
to share responsibility for their
neighbourhood (rather than
seeing problems as something
others need to fix).
According to Sean, it is very
important to be very clear
about what can and can not be
achieved, and to avoid building
up unrealistic expectations.
“For example, people won’t
get major modifications to their
homes through this process;
we can’t ‘fix’ problems with the
local shops. We have to be really
clear about this – but it is part
of being open, respectful and
transparent.”
Many issues the Team deals with
are related to people feeling
unsafe in their local area. People
may have lived in the same house
for eight years, but have never
met the person next door. A key
part of our work is helping people
gain confidence and develop
relationships. Just helping people
6 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

meet their neighbours is really
significant – that might be all
it takes.”
The Team supports residents to
implement the solutions they
have developed – for example,
cleaning up the local area,
planting gardens or improving
security features.
Key principles in the model the
Team have developed include:
> > Using a strengths-based
approach to identify the assets
and positive elements within
a local community, as well as
a systems analysis to assess
how the local area impacts
on residents.
> > Openness and transparency
with residents.
> > Sharing responsibility with
people, rather than solving
problems for them.
> > Building the skills, confidence
and capacity of local residents.
> > Building networks between
residents as well as with
community groups and
key stakeholders such as
local government, SA Police,
churches, Neighbourhood
Watch and non-government
organisations. This is very
important for project
sustainability over the
long term.
At the start of each project,
objectives, strategies and
measurable outcomes are
articulated, and these are
assessed at the end with results
and learning documented.
The Team’s work is not restricted
to public housing properties and
tenants – they will work wherever
Housing SA has a presence, and
with all the residents of the area.
For further information on
the Community Building Team,
please contact Sean Malone,
sean.malone@dcsi.sa.gov.au
or phone (08) 8413 9064.
Safer community living
Following feedback from local
residents, a community planning
workshop was arranged in
Semaphore Park. It focused on
identifying safety and security
hazards in and around the
neighbourhood. An adapted
version of the Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design
principles was used to guide
the process.
Many of the issues identified
required modifications, repairs and
upgrades to the shared walkways
and garden areas. Discussion
among partners led to the idea
of getting local job seekers and
volunteers involved in horticulture
training and work to upgrade local
Housing SA properties in the area.
The local ‘live training site’ aspect
encouraged greater community
ownership and pride, and at the
same time helped improve the
skills, confidence and employment
prospects of job seekers.
Project partners for this phase
include Housing SA, SA Works
(DFEEST), Heta Inc (training
provider), City of Charles Sturt
(Bower Cottages Community
Centre) and the City of Port
Adelaide Enfield. Forty training
places were available and 49 local
people registered to undertake
the 16 week course, with several
on a waiting list. Trainees who
successfully complete the 16-
week course will be awarded a
nationally recognised Certificate II
in Horticulture.
Feature Magazine May 2012
7

Stella Court transformed
Stella Court at Hackham West has
been transformed into a beautiful
flourishing garden through a
community coming together.
Through a series of engagement
events, it was identified that
closing off the thoroughfare
through Stella Court would
considerably reduce the problems
experienced by residents, such as
vandalism and general disruption.
The closure of the thoroughfare
led to a significant decrease in
these problems, and also created
a new space.
Then a residents’ group was
formed and with the support
of Housing SA and City of
Onkaparinga, they planned and
created a garden in this space.
Enthusiasm from residents
has seen the continuing
transformation of Stella Court
into a safer community area
that all can enjoy. Even people
who do not live in Stella Court
have commented on the
transformation.
Positive outcomes of the
collaborative process of developing
the garden have included:
> > new friendships being formed
between tenants
> > widening of social networks and
> > confidence, ownership and
pride in the area.
Linking neighbourhoods for
people with disability
People with intellectual
disability can struggle for
meaningful engagement with
the community, and some can
experience profound isolation and
loneliness. Often, people need
individual support to connect
with the community and develop
relationships. These concerns led
a local partnership - Disability
Services, Hills Community Options
Inc., and a parent - to develop the
Neighbourhood Links program in
the Mount Barker area.
Neighbourhood Links assists
people with an intellectual
disability connect with services and
activities in the local community as
well as with each other, and helps
them develop solutions to the
problems of living independently.
Based on the KeyRing model
developed in England, it has been
adapted to meet the needs of rural
South Australia.
At the heart of the model is a
volunteer Links facilitator who
lives within walking distance of
ten people with an intellectual
disability living independently.
The facilitator develops
relationships with network
members, visiting them in their
homes regularly, and helping
them to develop relationships
with each other. They help people
problem-solve and resolve issues,
provide information about and
support access to community
services and activities, and facilitate
monthly network meetings.
Those involved in the network
have increased confidence and
ability to make decisions for
themselves. They now have
wider circles of networks, provide
support and care to each other,
and are actively engaged in the
community. For example, the
Mount Barker group organises and
operates discos twice a year for
other people with disability living
in the area. Some have become
involved themselves as volunteers.
One person has developed a
monthly newsletter which is
posted in the local library and
outlines events occurring in the
area. Independent living capacity
has increased, and in some cases
the need for formal paid carer
support has decreased.
For more information
contact Jill Marks, Greater
Adelaide, Disability Services,
Community and Home Support
SA, phone (08) 7424 7888 or
jill.marks@dcsi.sa.gov.au
8 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

A new approach to
regional collaboration
in Adelaide’s north
Photo from left to right: Vinda Kong, Lea Stevens & Bev O’Brien
Adelaide’s Northern Suburbs have been the focus
of many partnership initiatives over the years, where
people have come together with a shared concern
to improve outcomes and opportunities for residents.
The experience of these initiatives has highlighted
the potential and value in collaboration, but also
the challenges. Reviews have repeatedly indicated
similar elements necessary for success: a clear focus
and realistic, achievable goals; strong leadership;
high level support; commitment and buy-in; the
right stakeholders around the table with the right
influence; and strategies to ensure sustainability
over the long term.
A unique coalition of stakeholders have now come
together to forge a new approach to regional
collaboration in Northern Adelaide. Supported
by Northern Connections (DCSI) under the leadership
of Director Lea Stevens, the coalition includes
five Local Government Authorities (LGA’s) in the
North, along with State and Commonwealth
Governments, business, universities and nongovernment
organisations.
Drivers for the Northern Adelaide
collaboration include:
> > the State Government’s 30 Year Plan for
Greater Adelaide, which provides significant
new opportunities for the region
> > recognition that a regional approach on agreed
priorities would provide a significant critical
mass when arguing the case for funding and
policy priorities
> > the increasing government focus on regions,
not individual LGAs, in issues relating to economic
and community development and
> > recent reports which point to opportunities to
improve economic development, skills, workforce
participation and employment opportunities
and regional prosperity in the North and which
recommend a governance structure that enshrines
a regional approach to tackling these issues.
The Collaboration has agreed to focus on
three areas:
(1) business and economic development;
(2) education, skills and employment; and
(3) planning and development.
It has also agreed that social capability (in the
broadest sense) and sustainable communities are
an integral aspect of ‘success’ in each area.
Although details are still being finalised, the
structure of the collaboration is likely to include:
> > an annual regional forum, which reviews
progress against goals and targets
> > a regional operations group, which meets three
times per year, establishes task groups to achieve
the agreed priorities, monitors progress and
problem solves/elevates issues as required and
> > task groups for each of the areas of focus,
which have assigned tasks, meet as required,
are chaired by an appropriate leader and include
a wide range of stakeholders.
Members are very aware of the history of
previous collaborations in the area, and have
agreed that if this partnership is to succeed:
> > members must have equal status
> > there must be clear targets and measurement
of progress toward goals
> > constructive leadership is required
> > members must keep each other accountable and
> > there must be demonstrated commitment from
all involved.
(continued on page 10)
Feature Magazine May 2012
9

Lea Stevens believes the collaboration
is a unique opportunity for the North.
“Five LGAs, which cover a large area
and include a lot of people, in an
area of South Australia that is going
to grow substantially in the coming
years, have voluntarily decided to
work together because they want
better outcomes for the North. They
recognise that, despite their diversity
in size, population and profiles,
they have many common interests
which can be progressed through
a partnership approach. Each will
continue to work on their own
issues in their own ‘patch’, but in
the priority areas, they’ll work
together on over-arching strategies.”
The breadth of the collaboration,
and its high level buy-in, is one
of its distinctive and innovative
features. Business and private
industry will have a very important
role, including representation on the
regional operations group, as will
education and training (including
post-secondary options) and
community groups.
The sustainability of the partnership
over the long-term is probably its
greatest challenge. “These strategies
have to be long term, and priorities
won’t be achieved in one year, or
even two. Strategies have to be
broken down into small steps, which
create an achievable plan of action.
We are in it for the long haul – five
to ten years. It’s a long time for
people and stakeholders to be
committed and involved. A lot
changes over that time, and will
need to maintain commitment
and momentum.”
The collaboration’s operations group
met for the first time at Parliament
House on 2 March 2012.
For further information,
contact Dr Bev O’Brien, Deputy
Director, Northern Connections,
phone (08) 8252 0544 or
bev.obrien@sa.gov.au
Post-school Options and
Beyond Expo
A community coming
together to support young
people with disability
Planning to leave school and
deciding what to do next is
difficult for any young person -
but it can be especially challenging
if you have a disability and live
in a rural area. Getting good
information about pathways and
post-school opportunities is a vital
part of the process.
Concern about the support
available for young people
with disability transitioning from
school was the impetus for a
new community partnership in
the Clare region. In consultation
with schools, young people
and parents, the partnership
developed and ran a successful
Post School Options and Beyond
Expo at the Clare Town Hall in
November 2011.
A Steering Committee brought
together people and agencies
from Clare and the surrounding
districts of Balaklava, Burra,
Eudunda, Riverton and
Snowtown. Partners included
Barossa Lower North Futures, the
National Disability Coordination
Officer Program, Uniting Care
Wesley, the Department for
Education and Child Development,
Disability Services in DCSI, schools
in the area and local government.
Personal invitations were sent to
potential participants in all public and
independent schools across the region
and to service agencies. Parents and
carers were encouraged to attend as
an important part in supporting
young people.
The term ‘disability’ was deliberately
not used in invitations and promotional
material, given the often negative
associations it has for young people.
Instead, the Expo was promoted as
options beyond school for young
people who may need extra assistance
and guidance.
In a true spirit of collaboration, school
buses were made available to provide
transport for people living in the
Balaklava, Burra, Eudunda, Riverton,
and Snowtown areas.
The evening was attended by over
100 young people, as well as parents,
carers and teachers; and 45 stall
holders provided information including
TAFE SA, VET to Work Pathways,
apprenticeships and traineeships,
Supported Employment, Day Options,
and employment services providers,
including Disability Employment
Services and Job Services Australia.
The partnership will continue to work
together to plan future events.
For more information contact
Rennie Strawbridge, Program
Manager, Disability Services,
Community and Home Support
SA, phone (08) 8372 1418 or
rennie.strawbridge@dcsi.sa.gov.au
10 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

Building communities
through employment
High rates of entrenched joblessness are usually a
feature of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods
and communities. Reducing unemployment – and thus
poverty – is a key component of building strong, viable
communities. However, this is not easy to achieve.
Market forces alone are unlikely to be successful in
getting many people into work: the reality of chronic
unemployment is always complex, and to address it
requires a person-to-person approach. A list of the
issues that contribute to long-term joblessness and
block success in employment is also a description of
the most pressing and intractable social problems:
extreme poverty, educational inequality, violence
and family breakdown, substance abuse, mental
health issues, disability and involvement with the
criminal justice system.
The personal and social costs of unemployment
include severe financial hardship and poverty, debt,
homelessness and housing stress, family tensions
and breakdown, boredom, alienation, shame
and stigma, social isolation, crime, erosion of
confidence and self-esteem, the atrophying of
work skills and ill-health. Most of these increase
with the duration of unemployment.
In partnership with others, DCSI is working with
individuals and communities across South Australia
to help people become job-ready and succeed in
meaningful work. This section highlights different
approaches that are being undertaken. All include
an individualised approach (with the jobless
person), community development and working
with partners to identify and sustain employment.
Refer to case studies:
Building pathways for blokes on the block
Employment in remote Aboriginal communities
Building pathways for
blokes on the block
DCSI is proud to be a lead partner in a new training
and support initiative helping the long-term
unemployed back into the workforce. Developed
in the Elizabeth area, Blokes on the Block is now
leading the way for other similar programs being
developed across South Australia.
Blokes on the Block is a landscaping-based training
initiative which helps long-term unemployed
men gain and retain employment. Lynn Steven is
Community Building Coordinator at the Elizabeth
Office of Housing SA, and one of the people
responsible for the development and implementation
of the program.
Participants are recruited to the program through
Housing SA or other partners.
Much of the 12 week training program is focused
on ‘soft skills’ development. “A lot of it is about
building general life skills, communication skills, the
things that underpin your ability to get and hold
a job.” The program thus covers everything from
healthy living, relationships, anger management and
life planning, through to computer and job-specific
Feature Magazine May 2012
11

friends. This proved a great boost to their confidence
and motivation. Other physical activities, such as rope
courses and kayaking, also encourage participants
to take on new challenges; promoting a sense of
achievement and building self esteem.
A key element of the Blokes on the Block model is
the complex local partnership of agencies and private
enterprise committed to working together to deliver
training and provide support and job pathways. In
the Elizabeth area, partners include Housing SA,
the Land Management Council, TAFE SA, SA Works
(DFEEST) and Building Family Opportunities Program
(Centacare), together with Kickstart and Para
Worklinks and support through the Playford Alive
Works Program.
“Whilst it has been challenging to set up and manage
such a large partnership, it gives us great strength
and is crucial for the programs success”, says Lynn.
Together, the partners provide a wide range of
pathways, supports and resources to participants.
Moving into a new area or focusing on a new target
group requires identifying and engaging new key
people and partners.
skills. Participants also leave the course with some
very practical achievements – for example, personal
resumes, a construction safety ‘White Card’, and
with a plan and support in place for the next steps.
Although the program is called ‘landscape based’
training, landscaping is actually a relatively small
component of the course (approximately three
weeks). It is, however, a major attraction: the men
enjoy being outside and working together on
practical tasks.
In the first Elizabeth program, participants worked
together on making over the front garden of a
Davoren Park home, with Housing SA providing
materials and a property for use as the live training
site. Working together on making a garden also
gave the opportunity to learn and apply other skills
– such as cooking a healthy lunch for the group
and cleaning.
The participants enjoyed the visible achievements
of the ‘make over’ and were proud to showcase
the property to the local community and family and
Individual case-management and support is also
central to the model. After the program, participants
continue to receive case management for at least
three months. Centacare, one of the project partners,
have also taken on responsibility for longer-term
case management for a number of men from the
Elizabeth program.
Each participant has access to work experience.
Coordinators work with Job Search agencies and TAFE
SA to help people move on to other work or training
opportunities. At the completion of the first program
in Elizabeth, for example, some men went on to
complete a nationally recognised qualification through
TAFE SA; and Playford Alive has provided ongoing
training and employment for others.
The program has now been extended to Kilburn.
During 2012 it will be developed in other areas,
including launching a new ‘Beauties on the Block’
program for women, and ‘Brutha’s on the Block’
for Aboriginal men.
For more information contact Lynn Steven,
Elizabeth Office, Housing SA, phone
(08) 8256 0819 or lynn.steven@dcsi.sa.gov.au
12 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

Employment in remote
Aboriginal communities
Closing the employment gap in the APY Lands
The DCSI provides a range of services to Anangu living in the remote
Aboriginal communities on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Lands in the far north of South Australia, including housing, family
support, youth programs, and services for older people and those
with disability.
Until recently, DCSI was mainly reliant on a non-Aboriginal workforce
for the delivery of most of these services. However, in 2009, with
funding made available through the Closing the Gap partnership, the
Department committed to a major training and employment program to
engage Anangu in construction, youth, disability and aged care services.
Through this initiative, 40 positions have been offered through the
APY Lands Community Programs team, providing Anangu with valuable
employment opportunities as well as a means of shaping service delivery
to their community.
The employment initiative has been carefully structured to enable
progression from base grade positions through to supervisory and
management, with traineeships and vocational education central to the
program. Training for nationally recognised qualifications have been
offered to all those taking up positions. In 2011, through a partnership
with Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
(DEEWR) and TAFE SA, a dedicated TAFE lecturer was funded to support
DCSI APY Lands Community Programs’ employees.
According to Jacky Costanzo (Operations Manager, APY Lands
Community Programs), the program has achieved outstanding
success in recruiting, training and keeping in the workforce many
community members who have had no previous employment
experience. Other challenges include the mobility of the population;
and the complex issues, trauma and crises which people face within
their own communities.
Developing strong relationships with communities and potential
employees was the essential first step, whilst also establishing
systems and processes that will work for communities in this very
unique environment. For example, meeting government employment
requirements of 100 points identity checks has been very difficult.
According to Jacky, however, the most important factor has been
the qualities, commitment and skills of the program managers and
Community Support Officers (CSO) who manage the Family Centre
operations. “They had to manage the delivery of the program, whilst
simultaneously recruiting, mentoring, training and supporting employees
who had no previous work experience. We were very fortunate to have
Top from left to right: Sue Light,
Karina Ward, Chris McCann
Bottom: Brett Trindle and Roxanne
Colson NAIDOC 2011
staff willing to persevere and work
far beyond the normal expectations
of their role.” Recruitment was just
the start of a long process, helping
people learn about their new jobs
and adapt to the requirements
of the workplace. “Program
managers and CSOs also had to
have an excellent understanding
of the unique cultural and physical
environment and the ability to
recognise, work with and respond
to cultural differences.”
Two long serving Anangu
Community Support Officers
have made particularly significant
contributions to improving
outcomes for people in their
communities – namely Brenda
Stubbs and Roxanne Colson. Both
of these women, along with youth
worker Brett Trindle, received DFC
NAIDOC Awards in recognition of
their achievements.
For further information,
contact Sue Wallace, Policy
and Community Development,
phone (08) 8413 9032 or
sue.wallace@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Feature Magazine May 2012
13 5

DCSI is now one of the
largest employers of
Anangu on the APY Lands
with the employment of
11 Anangu staff in the
youth program
> > DCSI employs 17
community members to
deliver disability services
in seven communities,
supporting 190 clients
> > 5 Anangu staff deliver
family support services
in Family Centres
> > 10 Anangu have now
obtained qualifications
in community services.
Building more than houses
- The National Partnership
Agreement on Remote
Indigenous Housing
The National Partnership
Agreement on Remote
Indigenous Housing (NPA RIH)
is one of three partnership
agreements under the National
Affordable Housing Agreement
(NAHA). Under this Agreement,
DCSI is building 241 new
dwellings in remote areas and
refurbishing an additional 206
over ten years (to 2018). The
Agreement requires a minimum
of 20% local employment for
all contracts. For Housing SA’s
Aboriginal Employment program
manager, Jude Allen, achieving
this target has meant working
intensively with Commonwealth
and State Government partners,
remote communities and private
industry to design and implement
a whole new set of arrangements
which enable and support the
sustained employment of Anangu
in the construction industry on
the APY Lands.
The first step was to embed the 20% target in DCSI’s procurement and
contracting processes and then implement a workforce planning approach
with building contractors to assist with the inclusion of local residents.
According to Jude, “The immediate challenges faced at the outset were
the absence of a work-ready local workforce, combined with the spread
of construction locations and the very tight building deadlines.”
Communities were closely involved from the beginning. Respected
senior people were appointed in each community to act as the link
between all parties – local employees, building contractors, trainers
and community members - providing advice, leadership and on-the-spot
problem-solving. These roles (funded by the Commonwealth Department
of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)) have been
crucial for success.
More than 50 Anangu from the communities of Mimili, Amata, Pukatja,
Fregon, Yalata and Koonibba have been employed since commencement.
Local employees are now working on all stages of building works, including
earth works and site preparation, plumbing, painting, concreting, framing,
cladding, fencing and shade structures. Given the nature of the challenges,
this is an outstanding achievement.
Trade trainers, funded by DEEWR, work closely with site supervisors and
local employees to provide supervision and accredited skills training.
A group training company co-ordinates the effort on the ground, providing
a labour hire service to building contractors and making connections with
other industry sectors so that when works are completed, employment
pathways are available for employees.
Significant investment is going into building housing in remote areas and it
is critical that Anangu employees have the opportunity to continue working
in the communities with other contractors or undertake apprenticeships as
an ongoing part of the contractors’ workforce.
14 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people

Photo: Anangu Work Expo
Sustainability is also supported providing nationally
accredited qualifications in civil construction,
which equip people to work not only in housing, but
in a wide range of construction and infrastructure
projects, including roads, water and the cattle and
camel industries.
Jude Allen notes that one unexpected benefit
has been the gains for the contractors’ existing
workforce, through access to some of the
accredited on-site training and participation
in cross-cultural training.
The partnership between DCSI, DEEWR, contractors
and communities has been fundamental to the
success of the initiative, as well as the contractors’
awareness and willingness to take this on board.
Indigenous Employment Program funding provided
by DEEWR has also been pivotal.
Jude Allen’s work on this program was recently
recognised in the South Australian Australasian
Industry Awards presentation. Minister for Social
Housing, Ian Hunter, presented Jude with an
Outstanding Achievement in Housing Award,
for her contribution to creating employment for
Aboriginal people in remote communities.
For further information, contact Jude Allen,
Housing SA, phone (08) 8207 0520 or
jude.allen@dcsi.sa.gov.au
Helping communities
rebuild after a disaster
Whilst many traumas and crises affect individuals
and families, disasters, by their very nature, affect
communities. Whether it’s a bushfire, flood or storm,
the brunt of the trauma and damage falls upon a
local area. The first principle of disaster recovery is to
be community based and community led.
Ronnie Faggotter, Director of the State Recovery
Office (SRO) in DCSI, sees disasters as providing a
unique opportunity to work with communities to
strengthen their overall resilience and assets. Her aim
is always to leave communities with positive legacies
arising from what are disastrous circumstances.
Immediately after an event, a Recovery Committee
is established, which includes representatives from
Local and State Government and the community.
This Committee stays in place for as long as needed
– on average, around two years. Even after the
formal recovery structure has been dismantled, the
SRO remains available to assist, advise and support.
The impacts of a disaster on a community, its people,
economy, environment and infrastructure, are often
profound, and rebuilding (psychologically, physically
and economically) takes a long time.
Every disaster is different, every community is
different, and the impacts and concerns arising
through the processes of recovery are also different.
Ronnie and her team see their role as facilitators,
helping communities identify their unique needs,
then develop and implement strategies. In the
Virginia floods, for example, most of those affected
Feature Magazine May 2012
15

were local market gardeners,
many of whom were Vietnamese
or Khmer, did not speak English
and were already isolated from
the wider community. The lack of
local knowledge and inability to
understand English, for example,
instructions from emergency
services, made the experience even
harder for them. A community
development officer was appointed
to work with this community on
long-term recovery using community
development approaches and
communication principles.
Recovery strategies will often
include a special focus on children.
Children can experience high levels
of anxiety, stress, powerlessness
and insecurity as a result of a
disaster. Often, the SRO will plan
with the community for children to
undertake different activities, for
example going on a camp together.
Camps allow children to get away
from the area for a while, it’s special,
they have fun and enjoy themselves.
Taking on new challenges – such as
sailing, climbing etc – helps rebuild
self-esteem and confidence.
Broadly, the SRO works alongside
the community to identify projects
and initiatives that will support the
community, help them recover,
and make them more resilient for
the future. According to Ronnie,
“this gives people a sense of
hope about the future and their
area. It’s a real opportunity for
community building: let’s not leave
the town as it was before – let’s
improve it.” Stimulating activity at
a community level is very beneficial
to psychosocial recovery.
Best practice community
development principles – such
as inclusiveness, collaboration,
capacity building, equity and
responsiveness – are central to
the way the SRO work.
In November 2011, Ronnie
Faggotter was included on
the South Australian Women’s
Honour Roll in recognition of
her outstanding contribution in
working with South Australian
communities after disasters.
Recovery from the
Stockport floods
In December 2010 the small mid
north town of Stockport felt the
brunt of heavy downpours, as the
banks of the Gilbert River broke
and inundated the area. Recovery
began immediately after the event,
and is still continuing. The SA
Government provided $100,000
to the community for projects to
assist with recovery.
A local Recovery Committee was
established and membership
includes local residents, the Clare
and Gilbert Valleys Council and
State Government including
the State Recovery Office. The
Committee facilitated a process
with the community to identify how
this money would be spent and is
coordinating the projects.
The recovery operation at Stockport
is a great example of a combination
of local and state resources coming
together to support the affected
community. There has been a
range of activity or initiatives at
Stockport including:
> > a significant clean up operation
> > mitigation work to reduce the risk
of future flooding
> > a community newsletter that
initially focused on recovery
operations but now has more
of a community social emphasis
> > upgrading of vital community
facilities – doing up the old
Institute Building, providing a
new post office; improving the
children’s play area; installing
a BBQ and re-surfacing and
upgrading the tennis courts and
> > a children’s camp.
For more information
contact Ronnie Faggotter,
Director, State Recovery
Office, phone (08) 8415 4301 or
ronnie.faggotter@dcsi.sa.gov.au
16 Feature Magazine May 2012 Building communities, connecting people