Reaching rural victims of violence

Isolation is a significant feature of the domestic violence experience. For women and children escaping family violence in rural and regional Australia, isolation has is physical as well as social element to it.

Linker is a new program supporting rural and regional women and children to escape domestic violence and to stay safe. In the first few few years of operation it has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of isolated women and children returning to the perpetrator.

Big thanks to Tegan and Joh who told their stories of violence and their experience with the service.

Good foundations

Meet Serika. Proud Yuwaalaraay women, rising sports talent, graduate of Barnardos Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo. Serika talks about how a little community support goes a long way.

My Family is….

I had a chat to the primary school students that attend Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo. How do they feel about their families and what is special about them? Here are the results

Growing up in country NSW

As a city girl I can confidently say I wouldn’t be keen to re-live my teens again. For young people in rural and regional areas the added geographic isolation can mean different things – stronger communities, fewer job opportunities, uncertain futures. In my work I’ve met a number of inspiring individuals who are building strong communities by paying it forward to the next generation.

Born and bred Nyngan boy Troy missed his chance for an opportunity in the world of boxing but his talents have not gone to waste. As a youth worker he supports young people and offers training in his boxing gym.

Former acrobat Zanette travelled the world delighting audiences and eventually set up her own circus. Ultimately, though, she found her self drawn back to her home town of Cobar NSW. I have no doubt that Zanette’s ability to accompany young people through difficult times in their lives is making a huge difference, not only for the young people themselves, but also for families and the broader community of Cobar.

Bobby and Lachlan on Friendship

On a trip to Wellington NSW earlier in 2018 I had a chat to Bobby and Lachlan (12 and 11 years old) about their lives and their experiences at the local Barnardos centre. They were most endearing when they spoke about their friendship.

Ten years on from the National Apology to the Stolen Generations

There are so few moments in Australian history to be proud of in terms of our relationship with the First Australians. Rudd’s National Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008 was one of them. Ten years on our child protection services are removing Aboriginal children from their families at an even greater rate than any other time in history.

As an employee of a child protection agency I had the opportunity to speak to some of our Aboriginal staff about their reflections on the Apology, their personal experience of the Stolen Generations and their thoughts on the future.