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Interrelate Family Centres at Lismore has been an active member of the local community for over 20 years, providing services to assist families, partners and individuals to enhance their relationships.
Lismore is part of the rainbow region of Northern NSW and we provide services to a wide geographic location. We are proud to acknowledge that we are on Bunjulung land and pay our respects and give thanks to the Bunjulung community.
Our region extends northern to the Tweed and includes Ballina, Byron Bay and extends west to Casino and Kyogle. Our region includes Mullumbimby, Nimbin and many hamlets in the region. We offer outreach services to Ballina, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Casino and Kyogle.
The region has experienced huge growth in population with many tree changers and sea changers deserting the cities for a more relaxed lifestyle. Our population is very diverse with a large number of Indigenous families and a small Sudanese population.
We welcome you to our services and hope to see you soon!
Lismore Happenings...
■ The "Just Say No" Parenting Fallacy
Recent Newspaper Article:
Many parents attend our center seeking assistance in relationship to parenting issues they are experiencing with their preteens and teenagers. It is indeed a challenging time for all. Many parents cannot understand why their teenager just cannot say no to all manner of dangerous activities. The reality is that most have learned that these things are very bad as preteens and can easily recite what happens to people who indulge in these evils. However, a few years later your teen may outgrow their black-and-white thinking. A teenager will learn that people can smoke without dying of cancer, drink without killing anybody in a car wreck and take drugs without getting addicted etc.
The "just say no" principle may work for younger, compliant preteens whose loyalty to parents reigns supreme, but it may fail when the call of peers and your teenagers own desires for excitement and adventure begin to take precedence. Before teenagers can say "no" to anyone else, research notes they must be able to say "no" to themselves even when the temptation to say "yes" is great. In other words, they must learn to be able to manage their impulses and assert themselves in appropriate ways.
Research notes that to assist children to learn to understand and control their impulses it must start early. It may be helpful for parents to say "no" to their children when they cannot say "no" themselves and then help him cope with feeling deprived or having to wait and praise them for succeeding. When parents empathize with their child’s disappointment, the child is learning empathy. As a child it is difficult to wait until dinner time to eat, to finish homework before watching TV, to postpone playing until you clean your room, or to be asked to wait years to do the same things your older siblings are doing! It is useful to assist your child to be able to learn skills to tolerate the stress and self sooth. These are skills for life and can help adults cope with the challenges of life. If you are struggling please ring Interrelate on 66 232 750.
Julie Leete
Area Manager Interrelate
Community events
■ Fair Pay
■ Community Services Ball
■ Carmen – Inspirational community worker
■ Don Jackson- Keep the bastards honest
■ Jodie Brown – In the line of fire
■ The entire Interrelate CSO team- Marie, Winston, Jeanette, Kathy, Sandra, Di, Anja, Con and Jodie. This amazing team were finalists in the Centre of the Universe category.
It was a wonderful night. Thank you to our nominees, our finalists and the whole team for the work you do in our community.
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■ CAARS Project
Article published in The Northern Star on Friday October 28th 2011
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Vicki Findlay, ( CAAR Project Officer), Julie Leete ( Area Manager Interrelate), Julie Collins (Parliamentary Secretary of Community Services and Helen Isenhour ( Director Operations, Interrelate). |
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■ Young People Big Voice
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| SCU Big Voices group |
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| Julie, Jan and Daniel |
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| Mel and Mereki |
■ Interrelate working with schools
Hello ladies,
The interview was a great experience, thank you Julie and Jan for giving me such well-spoken and intelligent material to use, my assignment will turn out really well.
■ Reconciliation and how we are closing the gap between Aboriginal people and other Australians
■ YWCA Project update
- Welcome to Belinda Keech our new Project officer
- Library Partnership
As part of new funding from the YWCA Communities for Children Initiative Interrelate is assisting the Regional Library to add to their parent education library. As part of this new funding Interrelate will be delivering parent education programs to those families most in need in the region. We are excited to be working in partnership with library and will be contributing resources to better assist families in our region.
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Nicole Eldridge (Lismore Library), Julie Leete (Interrelate) and Lucy Kinsley (Lismore Library) re the YWCA/ Interrelate parent education partnership with Lismore library |
■ Lismore’s new project CAARS
Lismore has been selected as one of 4 sites in Australia to develop /trial and refine a new case management system. CARRS is the Common Approach to Assessment, Referral and Support project
The development of a Common Approach is a National Framework project under the Seeing Early Warning Signs and Taking Early Action national priority. The Common Approach project is led by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) and overseen by the Common Approach to Assessment, Referral and Support (CAARS) Taskforce on which NSW is represented by the Department of Family and Community Services, Community Services and the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA).
The Common Approach is designed to improve identification of early indicators of the needs of at-risk children and their families by universal and secondary prevention services such as general practitioners, teachers, nurses and childcare workers. It is not intended to replace risk assessment, mandatory reporting and referral to the statutory child protection system.
As part of the Common Approach a Common Assessment tool has been developed, for use by professionals working with vulnerable families, to promote a common terminology and approach to responding to identified needs.
The needs identification mechanism developed for use under the Common Approach draws on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of child development (Bronfenbrenner 1979). The needs identification mechanism is child-centred, family-focused, strengths-based, and it supports a holistic response to child and family needs. It is made up of six primary wellbeing domains (physical health, mental health and emotional wellbeing, safety, material wellbeing, learning and development, and relationships). Example issues have been identified for all domains across three ‘spheres’ — child, family and community. The needs identification mechanism comprises four components that can be used together or individually. These four components are:
- The ‘wheel’ — which provides a structure for universal service providers to think about different aspects of a child or young person’s life, including those areas that are outside the practitioner’s immediate area(s) of professional expertise;
- A professional judgement reference point — which comprises high-level example indicators of need and questions for use by the practitioner before engaging with the child or family. The indicators and questions serve to validate an initial concern that a child, young person or family may have a critical need requiring further support;
- Conversation prompts — which assist the practitioner in engaging in a conversation with children, young people and families about their strengths and needs. The prompts are open ended, non judgemental and linked to each indicator.
- A self-assessment questionnaire — for use by children and young people who can complete it themselves or with an adult (a parent or practitioner). A range of answer options are provided for each question, which can help identify issues to be discussed with a practitioner to clarify the strengths and needs and explore any actions that could or should be taken. Issues relating to information sharing and referral are examined as well.
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| The CAARS team | Robyn Doubleday and Julie Leete at the CAARS team induction in June |
■ Aboriginal Services
NAIDOC week
We are working with the community to deliver information and resources on this day to the Aboriginal community. Mereki and other members of staff will set up a stall at the Lismore Celebration day. We will have show bags, face painting and sock puppet making. In addition, in collaboration with Lismore City Council we will be sponsoring the Young Leadership Awards. This involves working with the community on the identification of young Aboriginal achievers at all levels. The Area Manager and Mayor of Lismore selected the prise winners and Interrelate donated the gift vouchers. Due to wet weather this day has been rescheduled till the 5th August.
Aboriginal support for all program We will be trailing a drop in day for Aboriginal clients at the Market St premises. We have identified an Aboriginal friendly room and Mereki will be selecting art work and materials for this room. We believe this level of flexible service delivery will assist clients to access all programs within our centre. This may extend depending on demand.
Development of well-being bag Mereki and Mel are developing well-being or welcome bags with resources for Aboriginal clients. These may vary and be made age and theme appropriate.
Outdoor Yarning Area
We have identified an outdoor area in our new CCS play area for Yarning and support and we have purchased some planter boxes for bush tucker.
Aboriginal Building Connections
Mel Brown and Interrelate Head Office staff are involved with the Family Action Centre in the development of Aboriginal Building Connections.
■ Northern Rivers Pathways delivered a Child Development Seminar
On the 20th June Professor Judy Cashmore and Dr Anne Graham presented this seminar to over 60 participants in the Family Law and Community Services Sector. Through a survey the sector identified a gap in knowledge in relation to children’s needs in family law decision making. Vicki Findlay facilitated this seminar with great assistance and support from Con and the FRC team.
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| FLPN Child development seminar presenters Professor Judy Cashmore and Dr Robyn Fitzgerald. | Carmen and Jan at the FLPN Child Development Seminar. |
■ Kids in Community Awards ( KIC) on the 20th June
Interrelate continues to support the Kids in Community Awards (KIC). Interrelate are sponsoring and Interrelate team members attended the evening.
An exert from the KIC newsletter:
While it continues to be important to recognise and thank the “movers and shakers” among our young people, especially those who continue to push boundaries in their quest for truth, justice and integrity, we believe there is also a need to say thank you to our quiet achievers, particularly those who may not realize their actions have influenced others. The helping hand they give may not seem important to them yet it may have been an act that gave hope to someone who felt hopeless. It may have been the smile that lifted the cloud of depression, the caring act of kindness that changed a life.
The KIC Awards is your opportunity to provide an example to other young people – by sharing the good news stories, by encouraging those young people who struggle to overcome difficulty in their lives, by giving them a pat on the back and saying “well done”. We also encourage young people to show their appreciation of support by nominating their peers, their role models, and their mentors and media persons who positively promote young people. We believe the process of nominating someone becomes an important opportunity to reflect on positive actions and outcomes involving young people. This also is about citizenship and social inclusion.
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Rhoda Roberts and Julie at the KIC awards. |
■ Step Family Celebration Day
Photos from the weekends Step Family event where the challenges and rewards of stepfamily life were celebrated...a huge thankyou to Nava and the team.
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Stu and the audience |
The Panel |
Jeanette and family |
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Jenny Dowell and Andrew |
Family support |
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■ Meeting with Community Services
Interrelate staf
f from the High Intervention Program and Managers met with Lisa Gava and Jude Townsend from Family and Community Services to develop cooperative ways to work together.
■ LEC Lantern Parade choir
Interrelate as part of the Lismore Lantern Parade is providing financial sponsorship to the Lismore Community Choir. Interrelate staff members are part of this choir and all monies raised will go to the Lismore homeless shelter. We are actively engaging with all sections of our community
■ Kevin Rudd visits Lismore
Julie Leete met with Kevin Rudd on his visit to Lismore on the 28th June. Kevin was very interested in the work we do with families and in particular our work with the Sudanese and Aboriginal people.
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| Kevin Rudd and Julie Leete | Kevin Rudd in Lismore |
■ Beating the budget blues
and working together (media release)
Families with young children to benefit from service collaboration.
Families in the Lismore Local Government Area are set to benefit from a collaborative initiative recently developed between the local Interrelate Family Centre and Family Support Network Lismore.
The initiative which takes the form of a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations aims to formalise the collaborative relationship that the two organisations have built up in recent times.
Regional Manager for Interrelate Julie Leete said we are delighted to enter into this agreement to best provide services to families and children in our region. We are committed to improving the well being of children in our region. With funding cuts the best way is to work together!
General Manager for Family Support Network Neil Moreton said “Our two organisations have been working together somewhat loosely in the past but in recent times we have seen the need and benefits of work more closely together to advocate for and support young families in this area. This MUO clearly states what we will do and how we will do it when it comes to our collaboration so that we can monitor our performance and measure our success”
Neil went on to say that “Family Support Network are delighted to enter into this formal agreement as both organisations share similar philosophies and values. There are several areas where we both have skills and expertise that can benefit the clients of the other service and we want to ensure our clients get access to the broadest range of quality services that this area can provide.”
“Whether it be parent education, case management collaboration or community development activities we both have expertise to be able to share with each others clients for their benefit.”
Interrelate is a federally funded state wide organisation offering a range of family relationship and counselling services with family centres located throughout NSW. Family Support Network is a state funded local organisation offering a range of earlt intervention and children’s services in the Lismore local government area.
For more information please contact Julie Leete on ph 66 227 003 or Neil Moreton on ph 66 212 489 during business hours.
■ Love is in the air for Wills and Kate
...but how can we all recapture or better understand our own love story
provides us with a detailed look at how we may differ from our partner
in the way we like to be shown that we are loved.
Quality Time: focused, undivided and uninterrupted attention can build emotional connection and enjoyment of being with each other. It may mean meaningful conversation to share feelings, thoughts, and future dreams. Shared activities – doing things together that interest one or both of you just in order to create a unique experience and mutual memory.
Physical Touch: communication of your love through the body language. It includes hugs, kisses, and hand holding, back rubs, sitting close, hair stroking and whatever takes your fancy. It may also encompass empathetic embraces and tender touches of understanding when your spouse is in tears or times of crisis.
As we look on at the fairy tale of Kate and Wills
I am reminded that our fairy tale is up to us to create!
■ Interrelate Move to Byron Community Centre
Interrelate Family Centre and Byron Community Centre are very excited to announce that Interrelate have moved their outreach consulting rooms from the Byron Hospital to the Byron Community Centre. “We are so pleased about this move” states Sean Tonnet, Manager for Relationship Services. “Byron Hospital has been a fantastic host for Interrelate, but we have grown considerably in the last few years. Moving to the Byron Community Centre really provides a better fit for our services and the coastal community.
Commencing in early March Interrelate provide their clients with a professional consulting room in the upstairs Lighthouse Room and extend their outreach services from two days a week to three. “At the community centre we have the physical space and resources to provide our full range of counselling services including couples, individuals, children and family therapy. Our hope is also to start running some our recognised parenting and personal growth education programs from the community centre later in the year” Sean says.
Based in Lismore, Interrelate Family Centres is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that has been a leading provider of quality relationship services in New South Wales since 1926. In addition to providing personal and family counselling, Interrelate’s services include family dispute resolution, relationship support programs, professional supervision and employee assistance programs.
Paul Spooner, General Manager of Byron Community Centre has been instrumental in facilitating the move. “Interrelate’s relocation to our centre has a really great synergy with our community programs.” says Paul. “With our vision to create a Community Services Hub from the centre, Interrelates arrival will create opportunities to work closely together in supporting the Byron community”
Interrelate will be offering counselling services from Byron Community Centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
To book an appointment please contact the Lismore Office on (02) 6623 2750.
what’s on...programs for this term
Bookings: please phone the IFC 6623 2750
Discounts available for couples or family bookings
Join our email list:
■ Making Choices
Learn to recognise issues underlying anger in relationships and develop management strategies.
8 sessions
Dates: Wednesday; February 15th 22nd 29th ; March 7th 14th 21st 28th ; April 4th
Time: 6.00pm to 1.00pm
Cost: $200 per person ($120 concession)
■ The Challenge of Disciplining Your Child
Assists parents with positive techniques in disciplining and encouraging their children.
2 session
Dates: Wednesdays; February 22nd 29th
Time: 6.00 to 9.00pm
Total cost: $50 per person ($30 concession)
■ Parents not Partners
A course for separated parents in conflict over parenting issues.
6 weekly sessions
Dates: Wednesday evenings; February 29th; March 7th 14th 21st 28th ; April 4th
Time: 6.00 to 9.00pm
Cost: $150 per person ($90 concession)
■ Making Stepfamilies Work NOW IN BYRON
A course specifically for couples either in a stepfamily or considering forming one.
6 sessions
Dates: Tuesday evenings; February 21st 28th ; March 6th 13th 20th 27th
Time: 6.30 to 9.30pm
Cost: $180 per couple
■ Self-esteem and Communication NOW IN BYRON
Focuses on the origins of self-esteem and learn essential communication skills.ager.
6 sessions
Dates: Tuesday evenings; February 21st 28th; March 6th 13th 20th 27th
Time: 6.30 to 9.30pm
Cost: $150 per person ($90 concession)