Stephen at the Junction Goolwa Office.

For Fleurieu resident Stephen, having financial support as he entered a new private rental agreement was valuable beyond measure.

Stephen reached out to the Junction Financial Insight and Navigation Service (FINS) in Goolwa after securing a private rental. Unsure about managing moving costs, bond, and two weeks’ rent in advance, he sought advice.

“When I first heard of the Junction Financial Counselling Service, I was in a tricky spot. I had sourced a private rental but struggled with how to pay the bond and rent in advance. I went into Junction in Goolwa and asked if anyone there could help me,” said Stephen.

“That’s when I got linked with the service there. It really helped me get set up financially for my new rental, including handling the bond and rent in advance.”

Junction’s Financial Capability Worker Bodey assisted Stephen with his queries and set up goals to work towards together.

“Bodey helped me manage my money and even advocated on my behalf with the real estate agent. He helped work out a plan that worked for everyone.”

Since working with the service, Stephen’s new financial skills have helped him beyond just his rental agreement.

“I run a cleaning business and used to be left with only a little at the end, but I manage a lot better now,” he said.

“At the time that would have left me and my mum without anywhere to go,” said Stephen.

Now settled into his new home, Stephen has met new people in the community and created budgets to manage his living and medical expenses.

“The support from Junction has been amazing. I hope to continue with my business and work towards some health goals too,” he said.

“I feel a lot more set up now, but I know that help is just a phone call away if I need it again.”

Junction’s Financial Insight and Navigation Service (FINS) provides free and confidential financial wellbeing services across the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

FINS aims to reduce the impact of financial crisis or emergency, while improving people’s financial capability through information, education, and connections to services and community resources.

(L) Tammy Elvin – Junction Regional Manager, Fleurieu and KI and (R) Tahnay Fleming – Skylight Team Leader, Community Connections.

Junction has been appointed to help deliver a key program supporting people in the Fleurieu to connect, or re-engage, with the community.

Junction will work in partnership with Skylight Mental Health to drive the Community Connections Program (CCP), a Department of Human Services initiative, across South Australia’s south coast region including Kangaroo Island.

The CCP involves a dedicated community worker getting to know and understand a person’s goals and interests to link them with longer-term, sustainable and supportive community, social, and service networks.

Dr Alisa Willis, Head of Impact at Junction, said the program was critical to helping people who could otherwise “fall through the gaps”.

The CCP is open to people living in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region aged 18 to 64 and who are not eligible for Federal Government programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and My Aged Care. Priority is given to unpaid carers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, those from new and emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those who are financially disadvantaged. The CCP works with participants for up to 12 weeks and connects them with longer term support where needed.

Alisa said current economic and social conditions meant the CCP was more important than ever.

“Rising living costs have forced people to prioritise discretionary spending, stopping some from taking part in programs and activities or even, informal catch ups,” she said. “In some instances, people haven’t resumed social activities that stopped during the pandemic.

“Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges we face as a community – and one of the most pressing public health concerns globally. Overwhelmingly, research shows that without social and community connections, we are more likely to suffer poorer mental and physical health. This, in turn, adds increased pressure to systems including hospitals and other public services. Interrupting this cycle, as early as possible, is critical to positive outcomes for the person, as well as the broader community.”

Alisa said Junction, as a key provider of housing and services across the Fleurieu, was ideally positioned to deliver the program in the area, alongside Skylight Mental Health.

Tahnay Fleming, Skylight Mental Health Team Leader – Community Connections program, said the Junction-Skylight partnership would increase capacity to support participants.

“We are really looking forward to working together,” Tahnay said. “Both Junction and Skylight have strong relationships with local groups, organisations and communities. This will be pivotal to our ability to impact people’s lives through the program.”

Minister for Human Services Nat Cook encouraged all South Australians to cultivate and establish strong relationships with those around them.

“We know that persistent loneliness will very likely lead to poor health and wellbeing, which is why we are always looking to invest in initiatives that prioritise opportunities for meaningful social connection that are accessible for all South Australians across their lifespan,” Minister Cook said.

“Make use of those local spaces, including community centres, where communities get together for activities, whether it be the arts, sport, gardening or just having a yarn. Many of these opportunities are free. If you feel you need extra support in getting connected to those around you, whether it be things like anxiety or your circumstances holding you back, reach out to some of the wonderful Community Connections services available in your area.”

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from connecting with community in the Fleurieu, local services, and/or is in need of strengthening their social connections, contact Junction on (08) 8392 3070 (Fleurieu) or (08) 8553 2809 (Kangaroo Island).

A new breed of beat is emerging on Kangaroo Island with a series of music workshops reaching the right note with young locals. The initiative, driven by Junction, is run out of our community centre in Kingscote.

Kangaroo Island Community Centre Co-ordinator Maree Baldwin said the idea was born out of community conversations and discussions with local musician, Tristan Simon.

“We started out with two groups of five young people taking part in weekly workshops hosted by Tristan and it’s just kept growing,” Maree said.

Originally supported by funding through Headspace, the pilot program has recently been boosted with funding from Our Town. Workshops are held on Monday afternoons with around 12 students from across the Island participating regularly.

Junction’s community bus supports several students to travel from Parndana to attend. The organisation also purchased music instruments with funding from a Social Impact grant made possible through the Department of Human Services.

Tristan said the workshops were designed to help young people learn to read and write music and how to play instruments in a fun, safe and dynamic environment – outside of school, with all the equipment.

“I don’t know what the classroom dynamics are but I can see what we are creating here is crossing over cliques and really breaking down barriers. Being in a band is about listening and taking people’s opinions on board,” he said. “There is a lot of kindness and empathy – no hierarchy or competition.”

Two terms in and significant talent and potential has also been unlocked.

“One student had never held a guitar,” Tristan said. ‘Now he’s playing bass in a band and writing his own music.”

“I’ve been playing guitar with my dad for eight years, but this is the only place you can gather to play music with kids your own age. I really enjoy it,” said Jack, 15, who plays guitar.

“I love band, it’s so great. I’ve made friends and learned music that I never would have thought I could play,” Piper, 11, who plays bass guitar, said.

Before settling at Baudin Beach with his wife and young family, Tristan carved out a successful career as a music teacher and performer including producing an album Earth, Mother, She as part of Tasmanian band, Avalanche.

Over recent years he has been best known for live, solo gigs at venues and functions across the Island, while teaching guitar and continuing to write his own music.

Tristan said he was driven to build the youth music program after benefitting from a similar initiative as a youngster growing up in Canada.

“In Year six, we had some mentors who came into our school and started a lunch time music group,” he said. “That’s when I started playing guitar. I wanted to pay that back some day.”

That day came – albeit almost two decades later on Kangaroo Island.

“It’s giving them faith that this can be a genuine career path if they want to take their music further,” said Tristan.

As a next step, students will take to the stage for Open Mic night at Kangaroo Island Yacht Club on Friday, August 23 from 7pm in what will be their first live performance.

“We’d love to work towards a Youth Music Festival here on the Island,” Tristan said. “We’ve got a great foundation.”

To find out more or if you would like to attend the music workshops, call the KI Community Centre on 8553 2809.

Junction will build a new $36 million development in the heart of Tonsley’s Innovation District, providing much-needed new homes for South Australians.

The project, which will see 50 apartments developed as part of its first stage, has been supported with a $15.2 million injection from the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Program (SHAP), delivered in partnership with the State Government and Community Housing Providers.

A new Junction community and service centre will also be built onsite boosting support for residents and the local community.

“We know that, to live a good life, you need safe and secure housing – it’s the springboard for everything else,” Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said. “And that housing needs to be within vibrant communities where people are close to transport, education and services….places where they want to live and are proud to be part of.”

Ms Palumbo said SHAP funding ensured the delivery of the Tonsley project “true to vision”.

With large community spaces, a co-working area, community cafe and a bike hub, the development is designed to connect and empower community.

The apartments, varying in size and style, will all be built to 7.5 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) – with high-quality, low-maintenance features and thoughtful layouts, including large, private open balconies to maximise views and natural light.

As part of a second stage of the project, Junction is planning to develop an additional 63 affordable apartments within an eight-storey building on the same site.

“This development will significantly increase activity at Tonsley,” Ms Palumbo said.

“It will contribute to local businesses and drive economic activity within an emerging precinct, while, also, addressing the needs of South Australians in housing stress.

“What we are embarking on here is innovative in its approach and has the power to positively impact the lives of people and this precinct for generations to come.”

Ms Palumbo said Junction’s Tonsley project is included in an impressive pipeline for the organisation which will see it deliver up to 2000 new social, affordable and market homes over the next five to seven years.

“This partnership between Federal and State Governments and Community Housing Providers is critically important to addressing the housing crisis in SA and across the country,” Ms Palumbo said.

Established in 1979, Junction provides housing and support to more than 10,000 South Australians each year.

Media Contact: For more information contact Danielle Gordon on 0401 696 853.

At 63 years old, David from Oaklands Park is a quiet but positive advocate for mental health – with his hobbies, and the connections he has formed through them, playing a key part in ‘keeping him going’ through a difficult period in his life.

In 2019, David lost his wife. During this time, David found solace in his many interests – one of these being regular walks with the Oaklands Park Walking Group.

“When my wife passed in 2019, I made sure I had a broad range of interests that stopped me from going completely to pieces,” he said. “The walking group was a good way to exercise and meet some people closer to home.”

He believes that it is important not to isolate yourself during difficult times, even if you may want to, and to find activities you enjoy doing.

“Even if it doesn’t work out long term it’s still a good starting point,” David said.

Alongside the walking group, David is also a member of several model train clubs – another great passion of his.

“Building a model from scratch makes me zone out a bit, you have to use your imagination and really think about how to make the scenes, that’s why it’s good for my brain and keeps me busy,” he said.

“Through the model train clubs, I have met a lot of people and made solid friendship circles that feel like family now and they really support me.”

David attributes his resilience to the support networks he has built through his interests.

 “The pandemic came along only 6 months after my wife passed, and shortly after that I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, so that really compounded my misery, because I couldn’t go to the model train shows and my mind really suffered,” he said. “I made it through by the support of the people around me.”

Now, 5 years on, David is still an active participant in these groups – and he plans to continue well into the future.

“I will continue to be a part of these different groups in my future. I really like participating in them all and it makes me feel good.”

Men’s Health Week (10-16 June) is celebrated every year around the world. It is an opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health and men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

For 23-year-old artist Keahnee, the choice between pursuing her passions, or affording rent was once her harsh reality – something she believes other young people like her also experience.

For years, Keahnee’s daily dilemma meant she never had the mental space, or opportunity, to consider her future. However, after finding housing through Junction, she has managed to bring her artistic vision to life.

“I was on the verge of homelessness once again. I didn’t have anywhere stable to live and this meant I couldn’t work towards my own goals,” Keahnee said.

“I was either able to work on my art and not have somewhere stable to live, or I could have a home and barely afford the rent, which meant I worked 2 jobs, often 9 days straight.”

At the time, Keahnee was living in a youth accommodation shelter. Through their recommendations, and with support from The Foundry by SYC, she connected with Junction. After settling in to her home last year, she reflected on how stable housing has changed her life’s trajectory.

“I feel like I have a balance of structure and flexibility in my life now, and I can work towards my goals. I finally have balance and I now have a middle ground between where I used to be and where I’m going with Junction which is nice,” she said.

Keahnee believes there are many other young people like herself, who may find themselves in a similar situation.

“You have people that maybe can afford the rentals, but most young people just can’t which leaves us in this gap that is really hard to get out of.”

Now free from housing stress, Keahnee has dedicated herself fully to her art – and has seen great success.

“I was part of an art feature for Wardli Youth Centre, I sold a painting last year in the SALA exhibition and I have since worked with the City of Onkaparinga running art workshops. I’m also going to do a sequel of the painting that I sold,” Keahnee said.

Keahnee believes her art is also a great way to share her own story.

“My art tells my story. I love the attention to detail with art, the idea of starting blank and building something up, I see myself in that.”

She hopes to continue bringing joy to those around her with her work.

“I hope to just continue with how I’m going now with my housing and my art – I want to see my art everywhere in my new community and just know it brings people joy.”

Planting ‘seeds’ to create common ground, is the foundation for a program forging connections between families, the environment and culture.

Little Mother Earth Caretakers, run through Junction’s Hackham Community Centre, is giving parents, carers, and children from all walks of life the chance to learn about, and explore, First Nations culture and natural resources.

Delivered by local business consultants Spirit and Unity, around 28 people have been attending the Spirit and Unity owners Maureen and Naomi believe the recent referendum and opposing views in relation to Australia Day, created opportunities to “learn from each other”

“The earth is everyone’s common ground,” said Maureen.

Little Mother Earth Caretakers harnesses singing, dancing, music, storytelling, painting, drawing and nature play. All materials used during the group “are straight from the earth” or recycled.

Hackham Community Centre team leader Tammy Elvin said community response to the program had been overwhelming.

“It’s really beautiful to see so many of our regular playgroup families and others who are new to our Centre, expressing interest and engaging with this program and each other,” Tammy said.

“This includes several parents and carers of Aboriginal children, who are keen to ensure they, and their kids, are able to connect or reconnect with culture, in a safe and relaxed way.”

Spirit in Unity have delivered programs at children centres, schools and school holiday programs, and a range of events drawing on their personal lived experience, research, and qualifications.

“We, one hundred per cent, know that understanding your culture – no matter what that is – is at the heart of your identity and valuing yourself in the world around you,” Naomi said. “It can really steer your whole life trajectory, your outcomes, your peace, and happiness.”

Lauren, who attends the program with her daughter Betty, 19 months, said the program was “different to other playgroups”.

“It’s very special,” Lauren said.

“I think it’s important to teach connection to culture from a young age because then it becomes a part of who they are. They are then more inclusive adults, and they can own the story of the land in a way that my generation wasn’t taught to.”

Little Mother Earth Caretakers is held each Friday during term from 9:30am until 10:30am at the Hackham Community Centre, 72 Collins Parade, Hackham. For more information, or to attend the program, ring 8392 3080.

Meet a heart-warming family comprising Marie, Tony, two adult daughters, and a little girl who has found a permanent place in their home and hearts. We sat down with this extraordinary family to learn about their journey as foster carers.

For Marie, the lifechanging decision to become a foster carer was born out of lived experience.

As a teenager, she was largely raised by her grandparents – something Marie is eternally grateful for.

“I didn’t have the best circumstances when I was growing up, but my grandparents stepped up around my teenage years, and now I am who I am because of them,” she said. “I wanted to be that person for someone else. I felt like it was time to give that opportunity to someone else, to give back.”

Marie’s husband, Tony, agreed.

“It wasn’t part of our big grand plan, but I thought we should give it a go after Marie suggested it,” he said. “Our two daughters have grown up now and they’re off doing their own thing, so it seemed like the right time.”

To embark on their fostering journey, the family connected with Junction.

“We initially had an unsuccessful attempt at fostering where it wasn’t the right fit. It wasn’t long after that we received a call from Junction who suggested we take on a different child. They said, ‘we’ve got a little girl for you to meet.’ Of course, we did. That was it, we fell in love with K. That was three years ago.’

Prior to joining the family ‘K’ had been in a short-term foster placement.

“She was 17 months old at the time, and from the moment I met her onwards I would go to the other foster home every night after work so I could get to know her. I learned about her routines, got her used to me, bathed her, fed her, and put her to bed.”

Tony said most people were curious when he told them about his family’s role as foster carers.

“The response was usually really positive,” he said. “People would relate to it with their own stories, and some would say that they would like to do it one day too.”

While becoming a foster parent presents unique challenges, the family were prepared through the pre-requisite ‘Shared Lives’ pre-assessment training as well as Junction’s specialised Trauma Training for foster carers. “Parenting a child who has experienced trauma is different,” Tony said. “Different things affect her behaviour compared to what our daughters were like at the same age. We did some training on this through Junction before we became foster carers, so we knew what to expect and how to handle it.”

Importantly, K maintains a connection with her biological mother, facilitated by Marie and Tony, through monthly catch ups. “It’s important for her to have a connection with her birth Mum. It’s where she came from, and we will always make the effort to ensure that relationship exists. She understands that she has two Mums, and she enjoys seeing her in the visits. K really benefits from it.”

Recently, Tony and Marie became the legal guardians of K, completing their experience with Junction’s family-based care program.

“Applying for guardianship meant hours of interviews with social workers for both us and our daughters, as well as providing personal and professional referees,” Marie said. “The last step was to go to court, which was in January this year. We found out on the day that it was all approved, and we were so happy.”

“I explained to K that it means she can stay with us forever, and she was so excited. She received a special certificate which she took to childcare to show everyone.

“My hopes for her future are just that she is happy. She always asks me if she can be this or that, and I tell her she can be anything she wants to be.”

Tony added: “She is a part of this family, there is no doubt. We will give her all the opportunities and guidance that we can, just like we did for our now adult daughters. The world is her oyster.”

As of February 2024, Junction supports 56 foster carers, who provide love and support to 53 children across 41 families and households.

Have you considered becoming a foster carer? Learn more by visiting
https://junctionaustralia.org.au/foster-care/

Junction is delivering a bespoke and innovative housing project to support young South Australians.

The organisation is creating a unique “Tiny Homes” campus as part of a community approach to helping young people successfully transition out of the care system.

The Tiny Homes campus will be a collection of 10 new self-contained compact homes set amongst open green space with communal areas for learning and connecting.

The transportable homes, custom-built off-site, are approximately 17sqm in size and feature modular, built-in furniture and storage, a work/study station and a kitchen. Each will also have large windows for natural light and mini-deck areas.

The homes will be made available to 10 young people, aged between 16-18 who are leaving out-of-home care and don’t have family support networks.

The Tiny Homes campus will be staffed by Junction professionals who will provide support and run life-skills programs.

Located south of Adelaide, the campus will be close to key education sites including TAFE and Flinders University.

“With the Tiny Homes campus we aim to help young people live independently – but with support – so they can learn to thrive as part of a community and connect to culture,” Junction Chief Executive Officer Maria Palumbo said.

“We hope that the life skills they develop on campus will assist them as they prepare to later move into more permanent long-term housing and help transition to a successful adulthood.”

Ms Palumbo said children leaving care are more likely to experience homelessness and complex health issues.

“They need care and support to help them succeed into adulthood,” she said.

“Right now, there are very few options for young people exiting care. Through the Tiny Homes campus, we are offering an opportunity to live in a safe and supportive environment and pursue study or employment to set themselves up for the future.

“Tiny Homes has the potential to make a big positive impact on the lives of many.”

Junction is a social enterprise supporting around 10,000 South Australians each year through housing and community services.

Nestled in the heart of Santaland in the Myer Centre on the second floor, Helen has been spreading festive cheer and joy as ‘Mrs. Claus’ for the better part of 20 years.

Having first donned the iconic red and white attire in 2004, she had spent almost two decades bringing a smile to the faces of children and adults alike.

For Helen, her role is far more than just wearing a costume – it is about creating a magical experience for all who visit.

“I love to see so many lovely children smiling at me. I also love to help the parents by reminding the children that being on their best behaviour puts them on Santa’s nice list,” Helen said.

Having discovered a passion for performing during her time at Flinders university, Helen has been a model, actress, and performer which gave her the experience needed to embrace the role of Mrs. Claus fully.

As Mrs. Claus, Helen plays an important role in calming the nerves of excited children in the line up before they meet Santa.

Helen reads stories like “Three Billy Goat Gruff” and “Three Little Pigs” to the children while reminding them of the importance of good behaviour to secure their spot-on Santa’s good list.

At 74 years young, Helen continues to play her role as Mrs. Claus with enthusiasm. She does it for the pure love of making people smile.

“The adults are appreciative, and the children love it. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Helen said.

As Christmas approaches each year, Helen stands ready to spread joy and warmth. Her dedication to Mrs. Claus has touched many hearts, making her an integral part of the Santaland display made possible by Tony and Ros from Essential Talent, who supply the jobs and the costume.

Helen reminds us all to believe in the magic of the season and cherish the joy of giving and sharing with our friends and family.

“I hope I can continue to do this for years to come,” she said.