Phil Grinter, Junction Financial Counsellor

Locals in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island are being helped to manage their budgets, understand debt traps and overcome financial stress amid cost-of-living pressures through support from Junction’s Financial Insight and Navigation Service (FINS).

The program delivers financial counselling, education, advocacy and advice across the region. The initiative is part of the Department of Human Services’ Financial Wellbeing Program.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said rising prices are putting unprecedented pressure on household budgets impacting individuals and families, many who were already extremely vulnerable.

“We are seeing more people than ever before with high bills, threats of utility disconnection –people struggling to put food on the table,” Ms Palumbo said. “This puts enormous stress on every aspect of someone’s life including their health.”

“We are equipping people with the knowledge and skills to make positive decisions, get on top of their debts, manage their income and expenditure to improve their circumstances and ultimately, their wellbeing.”

FINS is delivered by two part-time qualified professionals including a financial counsellor and financial capability worker.

Junction financial counsellor Phil Grinter said while he hoped to support people before they reached crisis point, sometimes “that’s easier said than done.”

“The first thing is we sit down, get to know a person’s whole situation, look at any debts they have, prioritise the debts and options available such as applying for financial hardship,” he said.

“Often, we will advocate on their behalf to reduce these burdens. Along with below average income, unmanageable debt can make it impossible for people to get into a stable position. We can’t work miracles but the earlier we can support someone the better the chance of making a real difference.”

Since September 2024, Junction has also partnered with Teen Challenge SA as part of its Living Free addition recovery program, run out of Strathalbyn.

Mr Grinter, who has been a financial counsellor for 26 years, said Living Free clients often had accrued debt in the throes of their addiction and were experiencing homelessness.

“Being debt free after exiting drug rehabilitation gives clients a fresh start and removes a key stressor that can possibly lead to a relapse,” he said.

Mr Grinter said “providing hope” was core to his work.

“The worst position for someone to be in is when they can’t see a way out,” he said. “I am continually inspired by people’s courage, resilience and endurance.”

So what’s the best advice to anyone overwhelmed by their financial situation?

“Get help as soon as you possibly can,” Mr Grinter said. “When you are dealing with debt, contact the companies’ financial hardship team, and get some assistance from a financial counsellor. Act as soon as you realise there is a problem.”

For a direct referral to the program contact Junction’s Goolwa office on 8392 3060 or email fins@junctionaustralia.org.au or the Kangaroo Island Community Centre on 8553 2809.

For Jess and her two-year-old daughter Spencer, Thursdays are special. Every week, they head to the Hackham Community Centre for playgroup—a routine that has become a cornerstone of their connection, Spencer’s development, and their sense of belonging in the local community.

“When we first came, she was quite apprehensive to leave my side,” Jess said. “Playgroup helped support her to establish that safety barrier where I’m still here, but she can go and play and check back in with me.”

Now, after attending regularly, Spencer confidently explores the play space, interacts with other children, and even helps the facilitators set up activities.

“She’s really happy to help out—she knows how it’s meant to be, so she’ll hand out the tapping sticks and things like that,” Jess says.

For many families, playgroup is about more than just play. It is a place where children learn important social skills, develop confidence, and are exposed to new experiences that support their growth. Jess has seen this firsthand with Spencer.

Attendance at Hackham Community Centre’s playgroups has grown tenfold over the past six years. The centre welcomed 5,028 individual parents, carers and children to weekly playgroup sessions in 2024 compared to 470 in 2018.

In addition to the benefits for children, playgroup also provides an invaluable sense of connection and routine for parents. Jess knows how isolating it can be to raise young children, especially with the demands of a newborn.

“It’s really easy to sit at home and isolate yourself,” she shares. “Creating that routine, putting yourself and your child out there to make connections—it just feels really positive.”

Hackham Community Centre offers more than just a space for children to play. It serves as a hub for local families, providing access to resources, community programs, and support services.

“The staff are always great at letting you know about things happening in the area or services you can access,” she says.

The centre also offers food assistance through OzHarvest and a shared clothing exchange, providing additional support for local families. Outside of playgroup, Jess volunteers with local programs, including with Family by Family.

Yet, no matter how busy life gets, Thursdays remain dedicated to Spencer.

“It’s really nice to dedicate those few hours every week to focusing on my relationship with Spencer, instead of getting distracted by everything else.”

National Playgroup Week runs from 17th – 23rd of March 2025.

Hackham Community Centre offers four playgroups: two weekly supported playgroups, a weekly Japanese playgroup, and a fortnightly ‘Little Mother Earth Caretakers.’

For more details, please contact the centre at (08) 8392 3080.

Mikayla always dreamt of becoming a nurse, driven by her passion for caring for people. However, her journey was far from smooth.

After finishing school in 2010 and starting university, her life took a challenging turn.

“I found myself in an abusive relationship which hindered my ability and desire to study. After leaving the relationship I was homeless which made study even more impossible,” said Mikayla.

This difficult decision led to a period of homelessness. Pregnant and in desperate need of secure housing, she found shelter at a service north of Adelaide.

In July 2022, with the help of her caseworker, Mikayla moved into a Transitional Housing Property provided by Junction.

“I gave birth to my daughter and settled into this house,” she said.

With a stable home, Mikayla realised she had only five units of study and placement left to complete her nursing degree. Determined to finish, she balanced studying and caring for her newborn daughter.

I would put my laptop next to the sandpit so I could watch her and watch my lectures at the same time. I also studied a lot late at night when she was asleep,” Mikayla said.

Her dedication eventually paid off, and she completed four months of full-time placement with the support of her mother and childcare services. In October 2024, Mikayla proudly graduated with her nursing degree.

“My graduation was a very special moment for me,” she said. “If someone had told me back then what I was about to endure and achieve, I would have thought it was impossible. I just have to pinch myself sometimes; I’m so proud that I did it.”

Mikayla credits her success to the stability and security provided by her housing.

It all starts with a smile, a “listening ear” and often, good coffee.  

In just a few months, Junction Community Connector Franki Scarfo has become a friendly, familiar face based at Goolwa supporting locals through the Community Connections program (CCP) in the Fleurieu.  

Delivered by Junction in partnership with Skylight Mental Health across the Fleurieu, the CCP is a Department of Human Services initiative. The program involves a dedicated community “connector” – getting to know and understand a person’s goals and interests to link them with longer-term, sustainable supportive community, social, and service networks.  

Across the water, Community Connector Claudia Rothe has recently joined the Junction team on Kangaroo Island to support island locals.  

Franki said the CCP was about people connecting with themselves as well as others.  

“The CCP allows one-on-one support to develop the goals we may have only dreamed possible,” she said. “The first thing isn’t always the right thing, but the next thing might be.”  

Franki said navigating pathways was pivotal.  

“There is often a lot of information available, and people need help to process that along with a focus in on their own interests,” she said. “It can be overwhelming not just on an emotional level but also, in a practical sense.”  

Since starting in the role late last year, Franki has worked with around 15 people – including Lisa,* who recently moved to Goolwa.  

“I grew up in a small rural town where I had really intense community connections,” Lisa explained. “I couldn’t replicate that.  

“I went to boarding school and a lot of my peers went on to marry and have families but that wasn’t my journey.  

“Moving around disrupts the flow of community, too.

Things changed when Lisa saw an article in the local newspaper about the Community Connections Program (CCP).  

After chatting on the phone to Franki, Lisa and Franki met for coffee.  

Several months on, Lisa describes it as “a revolution”.   “The big change for me was doing something practical not just walk or look around aimlessly by myself,” the former community services and tourism worker explained.  

“I knew I wanted to be part of community activities, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. One of the other issues I faced was finding groups or places with people my own age.  

“To start with Franki went with me to a couple of programs. They were fun but they weren’t for me. Going to the community centre and then going back was a big step.”  

It was also a game-changer. Lisa is now a regular at the library and community centre, taking part in a range of activities based at or out of the venues. She is also undertaking several self-development courses to position her for the future.  

“I’m really busy now,” she said.

The CCP is open to people 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.  

*Names have been changed for privacy purposes

(L-R) Sally McLaren (Group Leader, HCC), Hayley McLay (Group Facilitator, TYPP), Amanda Rishworth MP, Nat Cook MP, Maria Palumbo (CEO), Danielle Hynes-Stevens (Peer Mentor, TYPP) and Maddie (Group Participant, TYPP)

A successful mentor program supporting young parents in Adelaide’s south will see families thrive into the future following a $1.43 million Government funding boost over the next 3 years.

The Young Parent Project (TYPP), driven by leading social enterprise Junction, in collaboration with The Australian Centre for Social Innovation, works with parents under 25, many who have experienced significant trauma.

The Honourable Amanda Rishworth MP, Federal Minister for Social Services, and the Honourable Nat Cook MP, State Minister for Human Services, announced funding for the initiative through the Commonwealth Outcomes Fund yesterday.

The Young Parent Project is one of the first South Australian projects to benefit from the $100 million Fund – a Federal and State Government investment partnership designed to address disadvantage through innovation.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said TYPP had supported more than 40 parents since it started 18 months ago with seed funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

“It’s about working with young families so they can grow strong from the start,” Ms Palumbo said. “It helps young mums develop skills and make positive connections with other people and services so they can be the best parents they can be.”

The 16-week program involves ‘peers’ who had similar experiences as young parents supporting participants with children up to the age of five, including expectant parents. It also offers participants access to other key services and organisations including education, legal, employment and housing.

Early program evaluation shows a reduction in risk factors leading to child protection intervention, an increase in protective factors like resilience, and improved parental confidence and competence. Participants also reported higher satisfaction with personal relationships and greater feelings of future security.

Ms Palumbo said co-design, and enabling participants to support each other through their own lived experiences, were key to the program’s impact.

“From the outset, we’ve had participants and peers working with us to design the program so it is genuinely tailored to them,” she said.

Ms Palumbo said topics covered ranged from mental health and first aid as well as support with feeding, sleeping and settling.

“As any parent will attest, confidence is so important in your ability and capacity to care for your baby. First and foremost, people taking part in this program needed to feel they are in a safe environment, which is what we have created.”

Peer Mentor Danielle Hynes-Stevens said it was a privilege to harness her skills as well as lived experience to support young parents.

“I was pregnant at 16 and had my daughter at 17 and then had my son 22 months later at 19,” she said. “I was 23 and 25 when I had my other children,” Ms Hynes-Stevens said.

“As a young mum, I would have really benefitted from a peer mentor and a program like this. Even though everyone’s situation is different, having someone who can walk along-side you, who has been through similar times and feelings can make a huge difference. Even though my kids are thriving now, it was challenging. It has been a long journey.”

TYPP is supported by The Australian Centre for Social Innovation and the University of Adelaide’s Better Start Health and Development Research program.

Established in 1979, Junction supports around 10,000 South Australians each year through housing and community services.

Media Contact: For more information contact Bonnie Trinh on 0481 520 730.

We’re excited to announce the release of Junction’s first impact report.

This marks a major milestone, shifting our focus from outputs to measurable impact. Over the past year, we’ve refined our strategy and developed an impact framework, allowing us to better understand and address key issues like housing affordability, loneliness, and generational disadvantage.

Through data-driven insights, we’re now able to show how our services positively affect communities. Our work continues to prioritise sustainability, place-making, and cultural connections, with projects like our Tiny Homes Campus and Oaklands Park Urban Renewal highlighting our leadership in these areas.

We’re also focused on growing a diverse workforce, embracing lived experiences, and fostering co-design, as seen in our Young Parents peer-mentor program. Together, we’re making a meaningful, long-term difference.

Thank you for your continued support.

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.