PAYCE Foundation supports service delivering dignity in death

The sanctity of life should dictate that every person who dies be laid to rest with dignity.

Sadly, there are too many poor and homeless people who pass away without a service.

Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) has been filling the social gap for several decades.

At Rookwood Catholic Cemetery, there are two dedicated St Vincent De Paul Society burial areas to assist those less fortunate.

There have been almost 800 interments since 1971.

This year, PAYCE Foundation joined CCC, St Vincent de Paul, David’s Place, Cana, Mathew Talbot, Catholic Care and the Brown Nurses for the Bringing them Home Service at the Charles O’Neil Walkway to commemorate those who have died in the past year.

There were 12 interments on the day, commemorating lives from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Peter O’Meara, the CEO of Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria said: “There is an intrinsic element of basic humanity and a spirit of respect for the dead that no government-controlled cemetery provides in Sydney.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan praised CCC and the St Vincent De Paul Society for their commitment and service to the poor and marginalised.

“They do outstanding work assisting people who are struggling, and we are pleased to join with them in providing a service to mark the end of life for homeless people and those without means,” Mr Sullivan said.

“It is a sad fact that many people die without the means for a burial service – a fundamental right in a civilised society.

“Every life deserves to be commemorated and be marked by a final resting place.”

Kick Start takes on the big guns with new hamburger

Hospitality social enterprise Kick Start strives for excellence in everything it does, so producing the best hamburger in Sydney seemed like a worthy challenge.

Kick Start’s Barista Jordan Balding takes on the classic American Cheeseburger

The PAYCE Foundation established Kick Start in 2014, to give young people the opportunity to get on-the-job experience and training in hospitality and a pathway to a meaningful career.

Kick Start operates a fleet of mobile food trailers located on construction sites across Sydney.

So, a great tasting hamburger is a must on the menu for hungry workers.

Paul said he worked with legendary Sydney meat supplier Vic Meats to get the perfect meat patty.

“The patties we are now using for our hamburgers are a mixture of chuck and brisket,” he said.

“We were really keen to get a product that was 100 per cent beef, no fillers like breadcrumbs.”

Paul has swapped out the sweeter brioche bun for a milk bun which let the beef patty stand-out on the taste buds.

The classic early morning cheeseburger is a hit with tradies, but the Kick Start classic burger is the mainstay, with its lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and a blended mayo along with a couple of other secret ingredients.

But what do the customers think of the new Kick Start burger?

“I think the hamburger holds up with some of the best in Sydney,” one customer said.

“The change from brioche to milk bun shows they are delivering what hamburger lovers want.

“The simple combination of the juicy meat patty and the bun is spot on – they’ve outdone themselves and I will be coming back.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the Kick Start management team worked extremely hard on delivering a great experience for customers.

“We want our trainees to learn what the very best looks like, and the program is delivering great results thanks to the dedication and hard work of all the Kick Start team who are highly experienced in the hospitality industry.”

PAYCE Foundation digs deep to help homeless youth

The PAYCE Foundation has pledged further support to the Property Industry Foundation (PIF) which is making a real difference to young people facing homelessness.

PAYCE Foundation digs deep to help homeless youth

Property industry leaders packed the Dockside at Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney for the PIF 25th anniversary fundraising dinner.

The dinner proved an outstanding success with more than $1 million raised for another major housing project.

The PAYCE Foundation donated $10,000 to the project.

PIF has a track record of partnering with the property industry to raise funds and build accommodation for homeless youth.

More than 44,000 young people are homeless every night – sadly one in three young people are turned away from accommodation due to a lack of beds.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said homelessness has a devastating impact on young people.

“Many of the young people who find themselves homeless are facing significant issues in their life, including family breakdown, violence and issues with mental health and drug and alcohol,” he said.

“These young people cannot reach their potential without stable and safe accommodation and support.

“The number of young people who cannot get assistance every night in Australia is an alarming statistic.”

Mr Sullivan congratulated PIF on its 25th anniversary and its commitment to addressing the issue of homelessness among young people.

“The PAYCE Foundation is focused on partnering with organisations that make a difference and PIF is an excellent example of this,” Mr Sullivan said.

“PIF are building more homes and providing critical support for young people who deserve the opportunity to live a rich and fulfilling life.”

House of Welcome initiative provides ‘stepping stone’ to life in Australia

The PAYCE Foundation has announced a $185,000 three-year funding package to assist House of Welcome’s Work & Welcome program, which helps refugees and people seeking asylum find employment.

The PAYCE Foundation funding will assist more refugees and asylum seekers to complete structured, short-term, paid work placements, equipping them with the skills to find long-term paid employment.

Under the program, organisations, including some of Australia’s leading Catholic schools, provide funding for job placements via a workplace giving model.

The program also assists clients:

Create pathways to financial independence,
Build confidence and self-esteem,
Make connections and develop networks,
Gain valuable experience in a supportive work environment,
Find and transition to ongoing employment.

Since 2010, more than 80 per cent of program participants have gained employment or are on track to complete further training or study.

Many new arrivals come to Australia with valuable qualifications, skills and experience, yet struggle to find employment as they lack a local work history and may have limited English.

Work & Welcome helps them overcome these barriers and is an important step towards re-establishing a sense of hope, dignity and belonging as they prepare for long term employment success.

Most of the funding for the program comes from private donations.

Sydney Street Choir founder reflects on 20 years of joy

One of the biggest smiles at the recent Sydney Street Choir 20th anniversary concert belonged to founder and choirmaster Jonathon Welch who was delighted to meet new choir members and reconnect with many old friends to see just how far his vision has grown over the past two decades.

Sydney Street Choir founder reflects on 20 years of joy

“It’s not for the faint hearted running any community choir but particularly a choir with special needs like Sydney Street Choir is a great testament to everybody’s dedication and their passion and also their belief in what the music and the singing can do for people,” Jonathon said.

Reflecting on the humble beginnings of the choir, he is still surprised it has grown from strength to strength over 20 years. In 2001 when he formed the choir it was with a vision to support people dealing with homelessness, mental illness and addiction through the power of music.

“It was unknown territory,” he said. “We had to create new methods to build their confidence and their personal skills and their self-esteem. I am very proud of the legacy of this work and the ripple effect around the world for the singers and families and friends to connect the universal language of music.”

Jonathon is enormously proud to see the growth of the choir not just in member numbers but with the addition of services for them including a social worker now on board three days a week to help choir members when needed.

“Often because of people’s personal circumstances it means they fall to the periphery of society and ‘community’ falls away. Being able to perform with the choir and rehearse regularly gives them that sense of having a musical village. The music really helps us to see the people not the problem.”

The song ‘You Raise Me Up’ proved to be a particularly moving selection for the Sydney Street Choir to include in their 20th anniversary concert, especially for Jonathon.

“They’re the ones who have given us so much, through their courage to stand up in front of people and to step forward and to be acknowledged for their contribution,” he said.

“I think that’s what everybody wants in life – everybody wants to feel valuable and to feel valued and singing in the choir does that. It helps you to personally feel valuable and to be able to make a contribution back through your singing.”

The Sydney Street Choir members who were lucky enough to perform at the 20th anniversary concert were not shy in showing Jonathon how much they valued his contribution to their own lives and were keen to share with him just how much this musical village meant to all of them.

“The most wonderful thing about the choir is it allows the choir members and everybody that’s involved to feel that they’re valuable and they can be valued as well too. It gives them that sense of value that they can make a contribution back to the world through their singing and that’s so valuable,” Jonathon said.

JRS Australia helping refugees with construction industry training

Jesuit Refugee Service Australia (JRS) is taking giant steps forward with its PAYCE Foundation-funded employment program, providing critical training for some of Australia newest refugees.

JRS Australia helping refugees with construction industry training

JRS recently collaborated with City East Community College to deliver ‘white card’ construction training to newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan.

Many among those who have recently arrived are exploring different opportunities for employment and training to assist their settlement journey and contribute to the Australian community. A ‘white card’ is required to work in the construction industry in Australia.

The training assisted participants to gain a comprehensive picture of Work Health & Safety (WHS) and legislative requirements, enabling them to have a better understanding of what to expect when working on a construction site.
One participant told JRS Australia: “I would like to start working and for me, this training is very important to have a better understanding of the industry.”

Another participant said: “I have worked in construction before in Afghanistan and that is something I would like to continue in Australia.” Speaking about the utility of the training, a community leader from Afghanistan said: “Thank you very much for the environment and all facilities provided by JRS Australia – I highly appreciate it and I will also recommend to many others from our Afghan youth association.” After completion of the white card training course, participants will receive an induction card and can begin their journey to work safely in the construction industry.

Since late last year, JRS Australia has been working closely with newly arrived communities from Afghanistan and assisted with laptops, access to the food bank service, and to up-skilling and certification opportunities in the forklift and security industries.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “JRS is doing wonderful work assisting people who are facing real challenges making a new life for themselves in Australia.”

“We support JRS because they make a difference to refugees lives and this training program is another example of their practical, but life changing work.”

The PAYCE Foundation has donated $100,000 to JRS to help refugees find employment.

PAYCE Foundation recommits to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

As Australia acknowledges the significant contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) peoples during NAIDOC Week celebrations, the PAYCE Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to assist those struggling with daily life.

PAYCE Foundation recommits to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said ATSI peoples had achieved in many diverse areas, but there remained an over-representation facing social disadvantage, exclusion and homelessness.

“As we celebrate the history, culture and achievements of ATSI peoples, we recommit to assisting those most vulnerable who are facing the biggest challenges.” he said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up a significant percentage of clients assisted through the following key PAYCE Foundation supported programs:

Adele House

Adele House is a men’s residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre which is run by the Salvation Army. The PAYCE Foundation and NSW Government jointly funded and built the $10 million 40-bed centre which is regarded as one of the best in Australia. It has a high success rate in assisting clients beat their addiction and return to society. In the current intake, 32.2 per cent of clients identify as Aboriginal. Drug and alcohol addiction and high rates of incarceration are arguably the most significant issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Sydney Street Choir

The Payce Foundation has been a long-term supporter of the Sydney Street Choir which is celebrating its 20th year. The Sydney Street Choir is a supportive musical group that aims to inspire and empower those who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage in the community. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, the Sydney Street Choir has been able to employ a social worker to provide an extra layer of assistance. Social worker Leonie Oakes has provided more than 600 hours of social support to choir members. This has included help with housing, medical needs, counselling, legal issues and job seeking. Ten per cent of the Choir, which rehearses in Redfern, are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. In 2021, 75 per cent of choir members reported improved mental health.

Kick Start

Fifteen per cent of trainees at the PAYCE social enterprise Kick Start, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. PAYCE established Kick Start in 2014 as part of a social housing renewal project undertaken in partnership with the New South Wales Government at Riverwood in Sydney’s south-west. The project started as a single worksite canteen aimed at addressing the very high rates of youth unemployment in the area. Since then, Kick Start has grown into a multifaceted social enterprise operating a fleet of mobile cafes, catering, and event services, providing training and employment opportunities for young people at risk. About 80 per cent of participants graduate with a TAFE Certificate III in Hospitality and nearly 100 per cent find a job or do further study.

End Street Sleeping Collaboration

The PAYCE Foundation was the founding philanthropic partner of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration which aims to halve rough sleeping in NSW by 2025. Twenty-nine per cent of rough sleepers are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. People sleeping on the streets die years before they should. They suffer illnesses that many in the wider community never experience. They are also among the most vulnerable people in our society and are more likely to experience violence and discrimination. Less than two years since its inception, the End Street Sleeping Collaboration is making notable inroads in reducing the number of people sleeping rough.

Caring souls brave winter chill to remember homeless victims

More than 200 people braved a chilly evening on the longest night of the year to remember the alarming number of homeless people who die on the streets or in shelters.

More than 200 people braved the cold to remember homeless people who have passed away. Picture: Courtesy of Catholic Cemeteries.

A very sad truth is that many homeless people who pass away are not commemorated.

The Homeless Memorial Service hit a chord this year, with a good turnout at Cathedral Square in the city of Sydney on the night of the winter solstice, June 21.

The PAYCE Foundation is a supporter of the event through its partnership with the End Street Sleeping Collaboration – the Foundation is the founding philanthropic partner.

Another PAYCE Foundation charity partner, the Sydney Street Choir performed at the service – its uplifting music a service highlight.

PAYCE Foundation and End Street Sleeping Director Dominic Sullivan said it was heartening to see so many people come out for the special service.

“Sadly, and unfortunately for many homeless people who have died during the pandemic, this is their only commemoration,’’ Mr Sullivan said.

“The aim of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration is to bring attention to the plight experienced by so many people sleeping rough, and to ensure no-one should be living or dying on our streets. As a community we need to understand that homelessness is solvable.

Mr Sullivan said the service was an opportunity to acknowledge homeless victims and those affected by it including carers, family, friends, outreach workers, volunteers, health workers and community workers.

“We also recognise the dedicated work undertaken by many community, not for profit and faith-based organisations helping those sleeping rough on the streets of Sydney’’

Adele House builder wins top MBA award

Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility Adele House continues to attract accolades, with Coffs Habour builder FM Glenn Constructions taking out a major MBA regional award for its work on the project.

Adele House builder wins top MBA award

FM Glenn Constructions won the $10-$12 million building category at the Northern Region Awards held at Tweed Heads.

The state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre was officially opened by the former Treasurer and current Premier Dominic Perrottet in October 2020.

The PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government jointly funded the $10 million centre which includes 40 beds in 20 purpose-built rooms, large commercial kitchen, recreation area, gym and swimming pool.

The judges commented on the honed blocks, large floor tiles and use of ply ceiling panels.

The centre is situated in the picturesque Bucca Valley near Coffs Harbour, and is adjacent to the PAYCE Foundation’s social enterprise, the Adele Training Farm which is a commercial blueberry and blackberry farm.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan congratulated FM Glenn Constructions on the award.

“This much-needed project was a long-time in the making and thanks to the efforts of FM Glenn and the entire project team, we were able to bring it to reality,’’ Mr Sullivan said.

“The FM Glenn team, with local knowledge, contractors and staff were able to take a bold vision for a facility without peer in the rehabilitation industry and make it a reality.

“The finished product really does speak for itself, but we are grateful for the dedication of the FM Glenn team.

“The centre has already helped hundreds of men control their addiction, get their life back on track and return to society and make a valuable contribution.’’

The PAYCE Foundation is planning to build a women’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation at Moonee Beach near Coffs Harbour.

The new facility will assist meet the critical shortage of services on the mid north coast.

It will include 20 bedrooms, kitchen/dining facilities, gymnasium and ancillary office and counselling rooms.

Kick Start hits right note at house opening

PAYCE-Foundation social enterprise Kick Start was front and centre at an official opening of a house which will help a young mum and her baby.

Kick Start hits right note at house opening

Kick Start’s coffee and food hit the spot for the opening of Haven House at Balgowlah.

The PAYCE Foundation established Kick Start in 2014, to give young people a chance to get on-the-job experience and training in hospitality.

Kick Start operates a fleet of food trailers located on construction sites across Sydney.

The Haven House project is a collaboration between the Property Industry Foundation, The Burdekin Association and the property owners, Bridge Housing.

The project also had the support of builder SMLXL Projects and a host of trade services companies.

They turned a derelict house into a wonderfully warm home which will provide a fresh start for the young Mum.

The PAYCE Foundation partners with the Property Industry Foundation which works with the industry to provide accommodation for homeless youth.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan congratulated everyone involved in the Haven House Balgowlah project.

“To see the house, which sat derelict for five years, turned into a fresh comfortable home for a young Mum, is a wonderful achievement,’’ he said.

“Homelessness remains a significant issue in our community and the Property Industry Foundation is doing wonderful work and we are always keen to support them.

“We are so pleased that the Kick Start team could be there on the day to support what was a very special occasion.”