Star on the Rise

2 August 2022

Star on The Rise

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Amber showing us some of her clay art.

Life’s hectic for Noarlunga Downs resident Amber – and that’s just the way she likes it.

The 16-year-old is completing Year 10 – and Year 11 maths – while working part time in a local bakery and undertaking a barista course.

Despite her busy schedule, Amber’s hard work is paying off. She was awarded the Highest Performing Academic Student for the past two years at Willunga High school. This was in addition to being among the 2021 Community Housing ARTS (CHARTS) awards winners for her poem ‘New Moon, Consume’.

As part of Amber’s CHARTS prize pack, she won a three-day intensive course at the Adelaide Central School of Arts (ACSA). This provided her access to multiple artistic mediums and platforms, as well as first-hand insight and tips from some of South Australia’s most experienced artists.

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Amber’s Poem, winner of the Youth Artist Poetry and Literature category in the 2021 Community Housing Arts Awards (CHARTS).

Harnessing experience gained from using clay for the first time during the ACSA course, Amber has since refined her skills and started making jewelry and other nick-nacks.

“I’ve never worked with clay before,” she said. “It just came naturally”

Although Amber’s favourite subjects at school are maths and science, she has always enjoyed the creative freedom she derives from art.

Congratulations Amber! We can’t wait to see where your commitment and talents take you.

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A Happier Ending

29 July 2022

A Happier Ending

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Farzeen enjoying the view from her apartment.

Pride. Relief. Gratitude. This is how Farzeen and her partner, Satya describe, the feeling of settling into their new home.

It’s hard to believe the couple, both graduate architects working in local Adelaide firms, were – just a few weeks ago – facing homelessness.

They had been renting the same house for a few years before their landlord advised that he needed to end their lease to accommodate his own family soon to arrive in Australia from overseas.

“He gave us plenty of notice, and we started looking straight away,” Farzeen explained. “When we started renting in 2019, we found a property easily, so we didn’t think we’d have any trouble.”

Unfortunately, they were wrong. Despite having a decent bond, excellent rental references and stable incomes, the couple could not secure a tenancy. With every unsuccessful application, they became increasingly worried.

“The next step was a share house which we probably would have needed to go into with up to six other people or a backpackers’ hostel,” she said.

“They (property managers/landlords) couldn’t always disclose the reason why we missed out, so it was very frustrating and confusing.”

After contacting Junction early in their search for a home to rent, it was a return call in mid-June that saved Farzeen and Satya from falling out of stable housing.

“We had until June 20 to leave our rental and Julie (Allocations Team Leader, Junction) called us just in time,” Farzeen said.

"She was able to fast track everything so we could move in as our lease ended. It was a matter of days. We were so lucky.”

The couple is now settled in their home at West Lakes.

As part of our affordable housing portfolio, the apartment is one of 10 Junction has purchased within the vibrant new West project to provide stable, long term rental accommodation.

Farzeen said she wanted to share her experiences so others could learn from what she and her partner had been through.

“People think it is going to be easy, but it isn’t,” she said. “We don’t want others to have to go through the same stress as we did because this outcome isn’t where we were heading.”

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Junction Connect Winter 2022

16 July 2022

Junction Connect Winter 2022

We’ve got some good winter reading sorted! The latest edition of Connect – our quarterly neighbourhood and community magazine – is available now.

Too cold and wet to go too far from home? We’ll hit the road on your behalf! From Tanunda to Kingscote, we’re bringing community news and stories to you from across the State

Sit down with a warm cuppa and enjoy.

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You may spot Allen ‘catching waves’ near his home.

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A Better View

7 June 2022

A Better View

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Shak in her Apartment.

Those in our Melrose community will recognise the positive energy and contagious smile of budding young artist and musician Shak.

Having moved from Victor Harbor to Adelaide to pursue University studies, Shak now lives in our Fig Tree Apartments.

“I was homeless at 17 and was couch surfing for 7 months,” she said.

“I feel so grateful to be given this opportunity. I’ve been able to move forward with my life.”

Shak’s apartment is the perfect reflection of her personality – surrounded by instruments, artworks and poetry, it is easy to see where her passions lie.

“My dad was a big inspiration for me when it comes to art” said Shak. “I’ve been making art since I was 5, and focused on it through high school”

Beyond art, Shak is also an avid skater and models in her spare time. She has also started designing clothes and participating in poetry nights at the Social Hearts Club.

Starting a new part-time job has been one of the biggest changes in Shak’s life since moving to Adelaide, but it hasn’t stopped her from chasing her real passion.

“I would love to be a tattoo artist. That’s the goal”.

With so much now to look forward to, Shak shared a quote from a poetry book she loves – which helped her maintain positivity and determination through adversity.

“The steeper the mountain, the harder the climb, the better the view from the finishing line.”

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Kicking Goals Toward Reconciliation

11 May 2022

Kicking Goals Toward Reconciliation

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Sharon Gaskin, the designer for the Reconciliation guernsey

Junction will partner with the Kangaroo Island Football League (KIFL) for the Association Reconciliation round on Sunday, June 5.

Every year the KIFL holds Association matches against the Southern Football League (SFL), bringing together the ‘best of the best’ from all five clubs across the Island in a Senior and Youth Squad to play SFL’s best teams.

This year the opportunity emerged to pair this event with the Reconciliation game to culminate in what is going to be a fantastic day of unity, cultural knowledge sharing and of course, footy!

To be held at the Dudley United Football Club in Penneshaw, the day will showcase two very skilled games of football together with Reconciliation activities running across the day.

There will be a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony performed by Mark Koolmatrie, bush tucker foods, childrens’ activities and the launch of the League’s Reconciliation guernsey sets – Senior KIFL team, sponsored by Junction and Youth Squad team sponsored by Headspace and Wellbeing SA.

The guernsey designs were brought to life by Sharon Gaskin – a proud Noongar woman from south-west of Western Australia who has made her home on Kangaroo Island.

Sharon has contributed to the development of the League’s Reconciliation rounds over several years together with Junction staff.

The guernsey design, brought to life by Sharon, tells the story of the five unique clubs on the Island meeting together at each other’s football grounds over the season to form one community.

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A Lifetime of Memories

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A Lifetime of Memories

29 April 2022

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Renate (left) and Vicky (right).

Life-long friendships start from lightning-in-a-bottle moments – with people in the right place at the right time.

Renate and Vicky’s friendship began the same way and, 45 years on, is still a huge part of their lives.

“We lived on the same street and our kids played together, so we would also spend time together,” Renate said. “We’ve done a lot together.”

The two, who live in Junction’s inner southern suburbs, can recount a whole lifetime of memories.

Having raised their children together, worked together and played various sports together, Renate and Vicky have lived full lives ‘in each other’s pockets’.

“We can read each others’ faces now,” Vicky said.

“There are times I won’t need to say anything. I’ll just give her a look and she’ll know what I’m trying to say.”

“If she loses her keys, I’ll be the only one who knows where she’s put them,” Renate added.

Together, they have also extended their friendship to others in their neighbourhood, including a young man with a traumatic past.

“I met Michael on one of my morning walks. We just said hello to each other, and it grew from there.” Renate said. “He lives with his carers, so he lights up whenever we spend time together.”

Having taken Michael under their wing, they do all that they can to give him a sense of ‘normalcy’.

“Sometimes we help him out with things he needs. Other times, we just listen to him talk,” Renate said. “It’s about letting him know there are people that care. He really takes what we say on board too.”

Passers-by will often see them together, having a good chat and laugh.

“Renate will do anything for you. She’s always willing to give something up for someone else if needed,” Vicky said.

They both look forward to staying happy, healthy, and maintaining their friendships with those around them.

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Community In Bloom

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Community In Bloom

12 April 2022

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(Left to Right) Craig, Lynda, Sue, Graham and Nerise. 

A blossoming garden is the centrepiece of a thriving Mitchell Park community – and residents Craig and Lynda are at the heart of it all.

“Whenever we move into a new rental property we try our best to make it our own,” said Lynda. “And hopefully, to leave it in better shape than when we moved in.”

The communal vegetable garden, which is located at the end of their cul-de-sac, began as a personal project for Craig to keep busy following an injury.

However, it soon developed a life of its own when residents from all along the street began showing interest and contributing.

“Before Craig and Lynda moved in, the area was just empty,” Sheila, a neighbour, said. “But now it’s the central point for all of us.”

“People will come by to water it, plant seeds, and have a chat” Craig said. “It’s become a bit of a collective effort.”

Like its garden, the community has also blossomed – built on a foundation of mutual respect and genuine care.

“We don’t live in each other’s pockets, but we do look out for each other.” Sue, another neighbour, said. “It keeps us happy, seeing each other.”

“Many of us here are living with health problems,” added Sue’s husband Graham.

“If one of us hasn’t opened their blinds that day, the rest of us will be knocking on their door just to check in.”

Craig and Lynda’s influence has also planted deeper seeds of change.

“They’ve really transformed my life,” Nerise, who lives next door, said. “I have a head injury from a car accident and have really struggled to reorganise my life, but Craig and Lynda helped me get back into a routine.”

“I think it’s a real shame if you don’t know your neighbours,” Lynda said. “Having them there to support you when you need it – that’s what it’s all about.”

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In the Cards

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In the Cards

12 April 2022

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(Left to Right) Rainy, Jesse and Caitlin.

A simple card to say ‘hello’ was the start of an unlikely friendship between Noarlunga Downs couple Caitlin and Jesse, and their neighbour Rainy.

“The neighbourhood had issues with the previous tenants of this house,” said Caitlin, “So when we moved in, we decided to do whatever we could to make them comfortable again.”

Upon moving in, the young couple went out of their way to introduce themselves to their neighbours – including writing a greeting card to Rainy.

Rainy, who suffers from tunnel vision due to her deteriorating eyesight, returned the favour in person.

“I walked myself across the road and I thanked them,” she said, “Even though, perhaps I shouldn’t be crossing the road by myself!”

Ever since, the two households have become closer than ever.

“She likes to come over and bring us little knick-knacks from her past,” Caitlin said, “They’re things you can’t find anywhere anymore – it’s really incredible!”

From uniquely shaped salt and pepper shakers to animal ornaments and garden statues, Rainy’s gifts have brought whimsy into the couple’s home.

You will also often find the young couple having a cuppa and a chat at Rainy’s house – finding a tranquil retreat in their shared time.

“I love listening to her stories. She’s one of the funniest people we know!”

“She can’t watch TV and she doesn’t really listen to the radio, so sitting in the quiet and enjoying each other’s company is so refreshing,” Caitlin said.

“Rainy has outlived her husband, siblings and even one of her children – so it’s important that we are there for her,” Jesse added.

“Having friends so close by is just lovely,” Rainy agreed.

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Home Grown

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Home Grown

6 April 2022

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Aurora (right) with Andrea (left).

“One apple in the Philippines is worth six in a family.”

Aurora, who lives in a Junction property in the north-western suburbs, has always remembered this quote from her dad.

“Apples are rare in the Philippines – it’s the wrong climate for them,” Aurora said, “So when dad would bring one home, we would always split it 6 ways evenly. That way, we would all get a taste.”

Rooted in her family values, it is this generous mindset and want to share that has helped her form strong connections with her neighbour Andrea and others in her neighbourhood.

Having migrated from the Philippines about 30 years ago, Aurora raised her three children, now adults, as a single mother after escaping an abusive marriage.

The Filipino dishes she cooks not only remind her of family but are also a great way of introducing her neighbours to her culture.

“She’ll never give you day-old dishes,” Andrea, Aurora’s neighbour, said. “If she makes something and you’re not home, she’ll cook you something fresh the next day. That’s just how she is.”

An avid gardener, Aurora is also generous with the produce she grows.

“This garden was grown over time,” Aurora said. “I take plants, I give plants away and then my neighbours will give me more back. It’s a shared effort.”

Having nurtured lush plantations of vegetables and flowers, her motto is to ‘always grow too much’ so that she can share it with those around her. She will also take in sick or dying plants to regenerate and return, better than ever.

“Every so often you get lucky, and you meet a neighbour like Aurora,” Andrea said. “She just has so much to give. Even when she doesn’t have much.”

Now that COVID restrictions are beginning to lift, Aurora looks forward to travelling to England to visit her children.

“When I do, I already know that Andrea will take care of my garden for me.”

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Collective Effort

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Collective Effort

1 April 2022

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(Left to right) David, Alex and Sandra.

Communities can’t be manufactured – they’re nurtured by those within. Such is the case at Melrose Park.

David and Sandra, who live in Junction’s Fig Tree apartments, are guided by this with the pair a driving force behind many neighbourhood events and initiatives.

“Some of us will decorate, some of us will cook – it’s always a collective effort,” Sandra said.

“If you can contribute, you do,” David added. “But if you can’t, that’s ok too.”

For David especially, the community has been a great source of support.

“I spent a lot of time in and out of hospital before I moved here. There was a lot going on in my life,” he said. “When I moved in, the community really helped me settle.”

“A community is about respecting everyone in it.”

“It’s about watching out for one another, but also respecting their boundaries,” David said.

Alex and Vivienne, who also live in the apartments, agreed.

“I don’t attend most of the big gatherings,” Vivienne said, “But they don’t hold that against me at all and still consider me a friend.”

“It’s like having a support unit outside of your usual family and friends,” Alex said.

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