Author: Kath Spencer
Courtney’s story: drawing on lived experience to support young carers
Courtney Howard joined Carer Gateway as a Young Carer Engagement Advisor in February 2023. A carer since she was seven years old, Courtney brings unique insights from her own lived experience as a carer to her role.
Sometimes children – even very young ones – find themselves taking on caring roles. Courtney’s mum, Marg (a solo parent) was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) when Courtney was seven years old and Courtney’s brother, Blake, was just three.
Courtney says her caring role has constantly evolved over the years as her own capability increased, and as her mum’s health improved or declined in line with her MS.
“Being a carer quickly became my norm; I didn’t know any different. We had a home care package in place and some great family friends too. That meant we were still able to participate in after school activities that we enjoyed, like dancing and scouts,” remembers Courtney.
“My brother and I helped around the house and took on more responsibilities as we got older. We also had constant people – carers – coming through the doors, so there were always new faces. Change was something we got used to.”
Courtney took on responsibilities like cooking, laundry and helping to pay bills, and sometimes stepped into a quasi-parenting role with her brother. The siblings were able to care for their mum overnight when she needed it, then get their own breakfasts and walk themselves to school.
Looking back, Courtney recognises that she experienced anxiety around change and ‘what ifs’ but says a school counsellor helped in primary school. At high school, another connected her with young carer support groups, where she found friendship and camaraderie with others like herself.
In 2017-2018 Courtney spent two years in the UK, and now lives in Melbourne with her partner and Shih Tzu dog, Jazzy. She speaks with her mum over the phone every day, and travels to visit and help out on free weekends. She’s also able to take leave from work to care for Marg during relapses.
She has been a Young Carer Engagement Advisor with Carer Gateway since February 2023. Now she’s working in carer support, Courtney wants to ensure that young carers have access to all the support and opportunities they can.
“I spend lots of time getting to know young carers and identifying their stresses, then working out how we can help. It might be financial stress or school stress or personal stress. It helps to be a good listener!”
Courtney encourages young carers to reach out and advocate for themselves.
“Don’t undermine your experience and what you do because someone else might seem like they’re doing it harder, or because you don’t identify as a carer. Remember that while your caring role is important and does matter, you matter as well. Please reach out for support and get help to find things that work for you.”
Pride Month Tea
On Friday the 16th of June, members of Banyule Community Health including staff, students and volunteers, gathered for a festive, fun, and sentimental afternoon tea to celebrate Pride Month. Pride Month is a significant time for LGBTIQA+ community members, as it’s a time to acknowledge, affirm, and celebrate LGBTIQA+ people. It is also an opportunity to increase awareness around the importance of allies, working together to ensure LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, welcome, included to be themselves in all parts of society. At Banyule Community Health, we celebrate gender and sexually diversity, as well as intersex people in how we go about our work every day, because LGBTIQA+ inclusion is everyone’s business.
IDAHOBIT Day with the Victorian Pride Centre and Banyule City Council
Our joint IDAHOBIT Day event with Banyule City Council and the Victorian Pride Centre was a great way to educate our combined workforce, share stories and build capability on being better allies, supporters and creating not just inclusive workplaces, but inclusive communities.
With Tommy, Social Worker, at the helm as MC, we heard from a great panel of CEO’s: Mick Geary, Allison Beckwith (Banyule City Council) and Justine Dalla Riva (Victorian Pride Centre) reflecting on their personal experiences growing up in Melbourne in the 1980’s, what’s changed and what remains in terms of LGBTIQA+ inclusion and its flip side, discrimination, in the workplace and in our wider communities, the importance of inclusive leadership and strong, supportive allyship in the face of stigma and vilification.
The discussion was powerful, and a timely reminder about the importance of being Allies to LGBTIQA+ people, showing our support in calling out behaviour and comments that stigmatize and belittle people. We are all human, with equal rights to be our true selves in our families, in our workplaces, in our communities.
At Banyule Community Health, LGBTIQA+ inclusion is everyone’s business. We can all play a part to stand up to discrimination. Your support as a member of the community, or an ally, makes a difference to ensure LGBTIQA+ people feel welcome, safe, and accepted for who they are. It costs nothing to show love and kindness. Embrace people for who they are.
For those who want to learn more please visit https://www.idahobit.org.au/
Banyule Community Health support the “YES” vote to a First Nations Voice to Parliament
“Banyule Community Health believe a Voice to Parliament is a meaningful step towards Australia’s First Nations Peoples having a say in the matters that affect them.”
– Michael Smith, Banyule Community Health, Board Chair.
Having an honest and transparent relationship with our First Nations community is a priority for Banyule Community Health. Under the guidance of strong and thoughtful First Nations leaders, Banyule Community Health has developed a ‘Statement of Commitment to First Nations Peoples.’
At the core of the Statement is a recognition of Aboriginal Sovereignty never being ceded; of the deep harm caused by colonisation; and the importance of First Nations people determining their own path.
Over a long period of time, Banyule Community Health has engaged leaders, community members and local organisations about the conversations occurring at a national level, particularly the Referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution. These valued local voices, and an even louder chorus of First Nations voices across Australia has shaped our approach. Banyule Community Health will be supporting a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
Banyule Community Health will share information about the Uluru Statement and the Voice to Parliament referendum through our community in a variety of ways over the coming months to ensure our community are well informed.
Jess’s story: Creating for Carers
Jess Sculley and Blake Caspersz are proud parents to two young daughters. Their oldest, Sadie, has GNB1 syndrome, epilepsy and autism. Jess is Sadie’s main carer and has been inspired to launch a range of planners and stationery for carers.
GNB1 Syndrome is a rare genetic mutation that was discovered in 2016. In four-year-old Sadie’s case, having GNB1 syndrome means global developmental delay, and hundreds of epilepsy seizures a day.
As full-time mum to Sadie and almost two-year-old Pacie (who is neurotypical) and a full-time disability carer to Sadie, Jess doesn’t get much time out. Life is full of the busy-ness of primary parenting two pre-schoolers and Sadie’s additional care needs and medical appointments.
Finding ways to get a bit of “me time” is one of the outcomes Jess values from her experience of Carer Gateway. She learned about the service a couple of years ago and also found support with trying a ketogenic diet for Sadie’s epilepsy helpful.
“I’ve really grown into my role of mum and carer. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure of the high standards I set myself as a mum and relaxed into utilising things like television, snacks and easy meals so that I can get a little break – things that previously would’ve had me feeling guilty.”
Jess has also found purpose in creating her own small business, At Sadie’s Pace, that she hopes will help other carers and people with disability to stay on top of the admin of caring.
At Sadie’s Pace is a range of premium planners and stationery for carers and people with disability. Jess couldn’t find the kind of hard copy planner she wanted to help her keep track of Sadie’s appointments and medications, so she created her own.
“I had so much paperwork and so many different planners, and I just wanted it all in one place. It’s come from my experience but hopefully it helps others. I’ll definitely use it myself!” says Jess.
Jess had the idea for the planners in March 2022 and works on them whenever she can. They’re undated so can be started anytime and include features an episode diary, medication and sickness charts, therapy checklists, affirmations and even sticker pages!
She enjoys building her online identity and community as a ‘medical mum’ and has recently allowed herself to relax into spending time with her girls as a friend and a mum.
“I’m a lot more present with them than I used to be. We have fun together, and I don’t feel as alone. It’s so great.”
Jack Turner, Volunteer Banyule Men’s Shed Coordinator, receives 2023 Jagajaga Community Volunteer Award
Congratulations Jack Turner, Volunteer Banyule Men’s Shed Coordinator, on his 2023 Jagajaga Community Volunteer Award.
We are extremely blessed to have the continued support of Jack volunteering for Banyule Community Health over many years and are thrilled that others in the wider community also value Jack’s contribution.
The time and effort Jack takes to make our local community a better place is recognised, truly appreciated and applauded.
Jack is an instrumental part in ensuring Banyule Men’s Shed continues to operate, and provide a safe and welcoming space, for all men in our local community.
Thank you, Jack, for all you do.
BCH Workplace Recognition Awards – March 2023
Throughout 2023, we continued to celebrate our staff, and officially recognise and acknowledge the work that they do! I am incredibly proud to announce that the employees of Banyule Community Health who have been awarded the Workplace Recognition Awards for March 2023 are Royal Abbott, Cathy Burneski and Tom Stubbs (please see below for more info).
A big CONGRATULATIONS to them all.
It is such a pleasure to receive these workplace recognition nominations from workers across the organisation, highlighting the amazing dedication and contribution so many workers give to their roles. The nominations really show how much our team members appreciate their colleagues for the work they do for our organisation and for our clients. Believe me when I say, it is a really difficult decision to choose the award recipients each quarter, but we “thank Banyule Community Health staff and volunteers” for all the nominations we continue to receive.
Congratulations again to our Workplace Recognition Award winners for March 2023.
Mick Geary
Chief Executive Officer
Banyule Community Health
International Women’s Day celebrations #EmbraceEquity
Merri Health leaders and staff will join across the organisation to champion women’s achievements and gender equity on International Women’s Day, 8 March.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.
Merri Health recognises gender inequality is a health issue and key driver of family violence and actively works to drive change.
Maryanne Tadic, Acting CEO said, “We are deeply committed to creating a better future for our community and workforce that is gender equitable, free of violence, safe and respectful.
“Alongside our work, we proudly celebrate initiatives that promote respect for all gender identities, and we’re delighted to recognise the unique contributions and achievements of women on IWD.”
Leaders across Merri will share their ‘leadership journeys and lessons’ in a special staff event to support others navigating their careers and workforce gender equity.
Merri Health is proud to be an Employer of Choice from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, which recognises our achievements in closing the gender pay gap, providing flexible work arrangements and a supportive culture for people of all genders.
We also advocate for gender equality and the prevention of family violence through services including our Victims Assistance Program, Keeping Our Pets Safe Project and leading the Elder Abuse Prevention Network in Northern and Metropolitan regions.
On IWD and everyday we are committed to promoting gender equity, challenging inequality, calling out bias, questioning stereotypes and helping to forge an inclusive world.
Change the date
Banyule Community Health supports the calls from First Nations people to the change of date of Australia Day, and embrace a new celebration date that reflects Australia’s true history. A history that dates over 60,000 years.
This week is a painful reminder of the impact of colonisation for First Nations people. Celebrating Australia Day on the 26th of January causes significant harm that we can address.
Banyule Community Health CEO, Mick Geary highlights the recently launched Reconciliation Action Plan. “The RAP makes a number of commitments, but most importantly a vision for a better understanding of our true history and embracing Australia’s rich and diverse cultures. Banyule Community Health stands with First Nations people and acknowledges the deeply harmful impact of colonisation.”
You can read the RAP and the Banyule Community Health Statement of Commitment to First Nations Peoples here.
The 26th January is a great opportunity to seek a better understanding of Australia by connecting with First Nations voices, stories and opinions First Nations voices and opinions. It’s a time to be a good ally. A wide range of information is available through NITV and ABC Indigenous and a range of other outlets.
Frances Baum Fellowship 2022 – Awarded to Cathy McKenzie
At the recent Annual General Meeting, Cathy McKenzie (Banyule Community Health Financial Counsellor) was awarded the Francis Baum Fellowship to address digital exclusion, financial hardship, and digital literacy.
Cathy saw the impact of the digital divide for many of our clients who experience vulnerability through COVID in the past few years. QR codes, digital certificates, contactless payments, and a reliance on our phone/computer for accessing the world became common place. For some in our community this became even more alienating.
In 2022, Cathy led a pilot providing access to digital solutions to clients and wrapped support around them. Building on the pilot, Cathy’s Fellowship project aims to reduce digital exclusion by connecting eligible community members to low-cost providers, build individual capacity to meet common tasks requiring a digital response, and advocate to enable others to experience better digital access.
Cathy works closely with other Banyule Community Health staff, partners organisations, financial counselling students and volunteers.
Congratulations to Cathy and her project team. We look forward to the next steps on the project.