From a dark place to the road of fulfilment

When Ashwini*, a Tamil woman, arrived in Australia seeking asylum she was in a dark place.

From a dark place to the road of fulfilment

However, the PAYCE Foundation-sponsored JRS Australia Employment Program offered a lifeline.

“Looking back at the first time I came to JRS Australia, I was so different. I felt like I was in a well. A very dark and deep well. Mentally I was doing so badly,” Ashwini says.

“My English was not the best. I was very worried my English was not good enough for interviews. I was self-conscious. The thought of making a CV was intimidating. I know that in Australia, your CV and cover letter are important to get a job. I was scared knowing that many people were looking for jobs and the competition was high.”

Since engaging with the JRS Australia Employment Program, Ashwini has opened up as a person and has become more confident in herself.

“After I met Tamana [Mirzada] and Zaki [Haidari] from the JRS Australia Employment Program, things really turned around. Their attitude, humbleness and kindness gave me great direction. I was always afraid of not being able to get a job but having someone to help and guide me was encouraging. It made me want to try harder and achieve my goals,” Ashwini continues.

“So much of my past affected my nature, but their help reminded me of the person I used to be.”

Speaking again about the support she received, Ashwini said: “The JRS Australia Employment Program team gave me great support, answered all my questions, were truthful, and made me feel accountable. I had help from the team to write my own CV and cover letter, something that I didn’t think I would be able to do. The team also shared so much knowledge about working in Australia and my rights at work.”

“More than that, engaging with the JRS Australia Employment Program really boosted my confidence. I have come so far and now I can look for a job myself. The experience has reminded me that I am capable and I can achieve things,” she reflects.

Ashwini has previous warehouse working experience however since the COVID-19 pandemic began, her work has slowed down. She also made the decision to stay home as to not put her herself and her household at risk.

Since restrictions have eased, Ashwini has had several interviews which were successful and resulted in job offers. Asked about pointers she would give others in her situation, Ashwini said,

“If there is any advice I can give, it is that you need to believe in yourself regardless of your age or the way you think about yourself.”

“I suggest trying to find any job at first, to get some experience and to build your confidence. Learn, study and practice your English skills. Community hubs and volunteering are greats ways to improve your English and to find a sense of belonging. Meditation and counselling also really improved my confidence and my outlook on life which has played a big part in my job search.”

Ashwini now has a new job at a warehouse and is continuing her journey to towards safety and independence in Australia.

The employment program has assisted more 114 people seeking asylum, many with families, to prepare for and navigate the current job market since January 2021, including through four months of city-wide lockdown.

Assistance includes equipping participants with work readiness skills, including resume and cover letter building, job search support, interview preparation, and facilitating a strong awareness of employment rights and responsibilities.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “The people assisted by the JRS employment program are in desperate and dire situations when they arrive in Australia.”

“The people who the JRS assist with the employment program are in a desperate situation when they arrive in Australia.’’

“They are not eligible for government assistance and employment skills and training is the key to living a better life while they are seeking asylum.

“We are delighted to support this program which is making a real difference to people seeking asylum.’’

*Not her real name”.

Pipe dream becomes reality for Adele House manager

When Julian Docherty viewed the drawing for a new purpose-built residential drug rehabilitation facility at Bucca, near Coffs Harbour it seemed like a pipe dream.

Pipe dream becomes reality for Adele House manager

Newly appointed Adele House Services Manager Julian Docherty says helping men beat addition is his driving force.

Today, Julian has taken over the reins of the new Adele House facility that has set a benchmark assisting men break the vicious cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.

Julian had worked at the old men’s rehabilitation centre at Moonee Beach which was rudimentary at best.

“It was surreal feeling that it actually happened,’’ Julian said.

“I have seen plenty of treatment centres – I have probably walked through virtually every centre in NSW and I have not seen anything like this.’’

The $10.6 million Adele House was jointly funded by the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government.

The new facility includes a commercial kitchen and dining area, lounge areas, treatment rooms, staff office space, a fully equipped gym and swimming pool.

It was opened by the current Premier and former Treasurer Dominic Perrottet in October 2020.

The facility is run by the Salvation Army – Julian has been working with them for over five years.

Julian says the new facility does increase the odds of successful treatment.

He said he was excited about the challenge of his new role in managing the Adele House program and helping men return to society and make a meaningful contribution.

“When you see clients who have ingrained institutionalisation or substance abuse and then for them to get their life back on track, buying their first car and being able to gain employment – that’s definitely what drives me to do this job.’’

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan congratulated Julian on his appointment.

“Julian has a wealth of experience in the field of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and I am delighted he returned to Adele and helping more men recover and return to society and their families.”

Sydney leading the world to end street sleeping says International Report

Sydney is leading the way in a global program to end street sleeping, just one of two cities to meet its 2020 target to cut rough sleeping.

Sydney leading the world to end street sleeping says International Report

Sydney met its target of reducing rough sleeping in the inner city by 25 per cent.

According to a progress report on the international homelessness project, Sydney also virtually eliminated street sleeping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the two UK (Glasgow and Greater Manchester) and Australian (Adelaide and Sydney) cities, street homelessness was radically reduced, or even virtually eliminated, at least for a time, via targeted action to bring ‘everybody in’, making extensive use of empty hotel rooms and other forms of, largely self-contained, emergency accommodation,’’ the report said.

The Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH’s) A Place to Call Home initiative, launched in 2017, sought to address the glaring gap in international efforts to protect vulnerable people worldwide from endemic hardship.

It represented a concerted effort to support cities across the globe to eradicate street homelessness, with a first cohort of 13 ‘Vanguard Cities’ committing to a specific numerical goal, or goals, on ending or reducing street homeless to be met by 31st December 2020.

The End Street Sleeping Collaboration – which includes the NSW Government, leading social service organisations and a corporate philanthropic foundation – signed up to the IGH program and is rolling it out in NSW.

End Street Sleeping Collaboration CEO Graham West said the results were pleasing.

“This is a great result for the Collaboration here in Sydney and reflects the dedication of all the signatories, including the NSW Government,’’ Mr West said.

“Homelessness is one of our most pressing social issues in society, with many people finding themselves in a desperate situation and urgently needing help.

“While this report shows we are leading the pack, there is a lot more to do and we are confident that we can, with support of all of the dedicated organisations committed to the project, push on to end street sleeping.’’

Mr West said support from the corporate sector would be greatly appreciated.

“The more support we receive, the quicker we can reach our ultimate goal,” he said.

“The corporate sector can play a role in assisting us reach that goal.”

Sydney is leading the way in a global program to end street sleeping, just one of two cities to meet its 2020 target to cut rough sleeping.

Sydney met its target of reducing rough sleeping in the inner city by 25 per cent.

According to a progress report on the international homelessness project, Sydney also virtually eliminated street sleeping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the two UK (Glasgow and Greater Manchester) and Australian (Adelaide and Sydney) cities, street homelessness was radically reduced, or even virtually eliminated, at least for a time, via targeted action to bring ‘everybody in’, making extensive use of empty hotel rooms and other forms of, largely self-contained, emergency accommodation,’’ the report said.

The Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH’s) A Place to Call Home initiative, launched in 2017, sought to address the glaring gap in international efforts to protect vulnerable people worldwide from endemic hardship.

It represented a concerted effort to support cities across the globe to eradicate street homelessness, with a first cohort of 13 ‘Vanguard Cities’ committing to a specific numerical goal, or goals, on ending or reducing street homeless to be met by 31st December 2020.

The End Street Sleeping Collaboration – which includes the NSW Government, leading social service organisations and a corporate philanthropic foundation – signed up to the IGH program and is rolling it out in NSW.

End Street Sleeping Collaboration CEO Graham West said the results were pleasing.

“This is a great result for the Collaboration here in Sydney and reflects the dedication of all the signatories, including the NSW Government,’’ Mr West said.

“Homelessness is one of our most pressing social issues in society, with many people finding themselves in a desperate situation and urgently needing help.

“While this report shows we are leading the pack, there is a lot more to do and we are confident that we can, with support of all of the dedicated organisations committed to the project, push on to end street sleeping.’’

Mr West said support from the corporate sector would be greatly appreciated.

“The more support we receive, the quicker we can reach our ultimate goal,” he said.

“The corporate sector can play a role in assisting us reach that goal.”

David reflects on a job well done

When David Blomfield returned home to Coffs Harbour after a highly successful career in the agriculture industry over decades, he was looking for a new challenge.

David reflects on a job well done

The recently established PAYCE-Foundation social enterprise, the Adele Training Farm, proved to be the perfect assignment.

It was a far cry from the broad-acre irrigation farming of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

Nestled in the picturesque Bucca Valley, about 30 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour, the farm produces organic blueberries and blackberries.

The berries can be challenging to grow commercially, susceptible to pests and requiring the right amount of sunlight and moisture and of course, the right type of soil conditions.

The Adele Training Farm also supports, Adele House, which is a newly built, $10 million residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for men run by the Salvation Army.

Talking to David, you are struck by not only his passion for farming, his encyclopedic knowledge of how to grow the delicate crops of blueberries and blackberries, and his commitment to the social enterprise that is helping men get their life back on track.

When David first joined the Adele Training Farm team four years ago, the new facility was yet-to-built and the only facility for clients was a run-down house.

“When I first walked into the new facility – I thought this is amazing,’’ he said.

“The standard of workmanship is fantastic, and it is really standing the test of time.”

David and the Adele House team have worked together over several years to develop a new training program for clients to work on the Adele Training Farm.

This includes farm work, gardening and assisting staff on the blueberry and blackberry farm.

“We all sat down together and looked how we could run a work-skills program,’’ he said.

“First, we ran a pilot and that was successful, so we expanded it further.’’

Today, the demand is so strong from clients, who are paid after an initial training period, it is a challenge to find work for everyone who wants to participate.

“We really focus on making the clients feel part of the team here at the farm,’’ he said.

“I have made many friends through the program and at Adele House.’’

David is taking a well-earned break and moving on to some new business ventures but is adamant he will be on-hand to provide advice.

“The farm has come a long way and I think it has a lot of potential,’’ he said.

As David contemplates the future, including an overseas holiday to catch up with his daughter, his first priority is this year’s blueberry and blackberry crops.

And hopefully, his swansong season will deliver dry, sunny days and clear skies with full moons at night – the perfect combination for bringing on the best fruit.

PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan thanked David for his outstanding service.

“The blueberry business, particularly organic fruit, is a complex crop and David has been instrumental in developing a successful social enterprise.’’

“He’s also been instrumental in developing our blackberry venture which is now delivering quality crops.

“David’s commitment to assisting Adele House clients in the farm work program is greatly appreciated – it is a legacy that will help many men get their lives back on track.’’

Cork and Fork lovers turn out for Ryde community day

One of the great Ryde community events, the Cork and Fork was back to its best attracting a large crowd eager to drink and taste some of the best produce in Australia and enjoy the festival-like rides and entertainment.

Cork and Fork lovers turn out for Ryde community day

PAYCE Director Will Morgan and Kick Start Manager Paul Borghetti at the Cork and Fork festival which attracted big crowds.

The Ryde City Council event, held on the banks of the Parramatta River, showcases boutique wine from Mudgee and the Hunter Valley and gourmet food stalls.

And children were not left out with lots of rides, face painting and activities.

The PAYCE Foundation social enterprise Kick Start was one of many stallholders on the day.

The new Kick Start hamburger proved popular with the crowds, along with the coffee.

Kick Start operates a fleet of food trailers which give young people training in hospitality as well as on-the-job experience.

PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan said it was wonderful to see the big crowds again at the Cork and Fork.

“This is a highlight on the Ryde Community Calendar and the PAYCE Foundation is thrilled to support the event.’’

“We also took the opportunity to open the Kick Start trailer and give our trainees experience in catering at a popular community event.’’

The PAYCE Foundation was a silver sponsor of the Cork and Fork.

Kick Start launches post-graduate program for top achievers

PAYCE Foundation social enterprise Kick Start has launched an innovative post-graduate hospitality program for high achievers.

Kick Start launches post-graduate program for top achievers

The six-month program will provide Kick Start graduates with additional training and leadership experience.

It will be offered to two graduates who will work as supervisors at a dedicated training site.

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.

In April, a record 23 young adults completed the Kick Start program and are now on track to a brighter future.

PAYCE Foundation Social Impact Manager Reyna Flynn said the post graduate trainees will receive additional support from the Kick Start management team.

“With two participants in the program, working side by side, they will be able to support each other, work to each other’s strengths and be able to problem solve and deal with issues together,’’ she said.

“Once participants have reached a desired level, there will be opportunities to utilise their skills by covering additional shifts at events and gaining more experience at other sites.

“Graduates will then be able to transition to more senior roles within the hospitality industry, or into available and suitable Kick Start Cafe Manager roles.’’

Kick Start post-graduate Jordan Balding said: “I am learning the more technical side of being in the trailer and becoming more competent.”

“The number one thing I have learnt is that hard work really does pay off.’’

Rose Ann Pilac said she was also enjoying the post graduate opportunity.

“I am very happy that I am here and learning the supervising training.’’

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said Kick Start was delivering outstanding opportunities to young people keen to forge a career in hospitality.

“The post-graduate program is a bold step forward to give our best graduates the chance to leap-frog into a management role,’’ he said.

Melrose Park Community Cup raises $100,000

The fifth annual Melrose Park Community Cup has proved bigger and better than ever with $100,000 raised at the charity golf day and dinner.

Melrose Park Community Cup raises $100,000

PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan (far right) presents the fundraising cheque to community group representatives.

A full field hit off for the golf event at the Ryde Parramatta Golf Club. The dinner that followed was also booked out, with the Mayor of Ryde Cr Jordan Lane and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee attending as special guests.

The Melrose Park Community Group event benefits six organisations:

  • West Ryde Rovers
  • Ermington United
  • Michael Hughes Foundation
  • Parramatta Women’s Shelter
  • St Michael’s Catholic Primary School
  • Melrose Park Public School

Event Organiser Lance Brooks, from Brooks Community Engagement, said he was amazed by the overwhelming support.

“There is a wonderful community spirit here in Melrose Park and the response to this year’s Community Cup has been extraordinary,’’ he said.

“It has been a challenging few years and I think everyone is keen to be a part of what is a wonderful day that raises funds for organisations that are the backbone of the community.’’

PAYCE – a founding supporter of the event, was again the major sponsor.

PAYCE’s philanthropic arm, the PAYCE Foundation has been active in the local community during the pandemic, providing 30,000 meals to those in need through its social enterprise, Kick Start.

The PAYCE Foundation topped-up the fundraising effort, making a $20,750 donation to the Melrose Park Community Group. The event has raised $405,000 over five years.

PAYCE representative Dominic Sullivan said it was pleasing to see so many local people turn-out for the event.

“Melrose Park is a community that comes out in force for a good cause, and it was wonderful to see everyone out enjoying themselves this year,’’ he said.

“These six community organisations play a critical role in the community and PAYCE is pleased to support them.”

Buy-Name List reveals disturbing trend

One of the fastest-growing cohorts facing homelessness and rough sleeping is women over 55, according to data captured by End Street Sleeping Collaboration’s (ESCC) ground-breaking technology system, the By-Name List (BNL).

Buy-Name List reveals disturbing trend

“Women over 55 are at significant risk of housing and financial insecurity because of a multitude of factors, including lack of superannuation, working part time or casually through their lives, time out for family care and gender pay discrimination,” End Street Sleeping Collaboration Chief Executive Officer Graham West said.

“Add to that the increasingly unaffordable private rental market and age discrimination and you have a system that leads this vulnerable group into homelessness.”

The BNL digital case co-ordination system allows field workers to record the story of people who are homeless and better connect them with services.

It also saves clients from having to repeat their story.

BNL has captured the stories of more than 1,800 people who have experienced rough sleeping or other forms of homelessness (couch surfing, crisis, and temporary shelters).

“The data collected on our By Name List highlights that the number of people over the age of 50 sleeping rough are significantly overrepresented at 35% compared to 28% of the population of NSW,” Mr West said.

“No one should be sleeping rough or living with the fear of homelessness, particularly at this point of their lives.”

PAYCE Foundation Director and ESCC Board Member Dominic Sullivan said the results were a real eye opener.

“It is shocking to think that women who are over 55 are increasingly finding themselves homeless,’’ he said.

“The BNL is proving to be a highly effective tool in gathering data on who needs help and how best to connect them to the right services.’’

The joy of discovering your rockstar status

Wazza’s voice breaks when he talks about what the Sydney Street Choir means to him, but it stays strong, clear and powerful when he sings.

The joy of discovering your rockstar status

Like many of his fellow choir members, he finds solace in expressing emotion through song and a new joy in coming together for rehearsals and performing to live audiences as a group.

“It gives you a sense of belonging, knowing there is someone there that you can reach out to,” Wazza explains. He delights in reconnecting with others, post COVID lockdowns, now that meeting up to see each other is possible again and this has added much valued social outings to his calendar. For Wazza, being part of the choir has brought new people into his life and new experiences taking him to places he’s never been before.

“I’ve a got a lot more outlook in life and I take it wherever I go,” he said. “There are times when you don’t feel very well, or you couldn’t be bothered, but you still drag yourself along. They make you feel like a rockstar! Look at all the beautiful people in the audience, it gives you recognition, enjoyment and companionship with people in the choir.”

Another rockstar in the Sydney Street Choir is Hillary who was initially shy about joining because she wasn’t at all confident she could sing. However, she soon discovered the joy and passion of singing and that no one is going to judge how well you perform. “It doesn’t matter how bad or good you sing, everyone’s just having a fun time,” she said. Hillary has also found an importance sense of belonging with her new friends. “I belong to these people, I belong in this choir. You have something to look forward and to just see them all again and to have a chat and just to be with them.”

Leonie Oaks, Sydney Street Choir Social Worker is proud to advocate on behalf of choir members like Wazza and Hillary although she is the first to point out what strong advocates they are for themselves. It certainly takes a lot of guts to sing in public and new singers often surprise themselves with this newfound passion and confidence.

“They come in saying they don’t know how to sing but they find a voice,” Leonie said. “The level of knowledge and kindness and compassion in the choir is extraordinary, it always blows me away.”

Kick Start’s largest cohort of Graduates

In 2014, the PAYCE Foundation backed social enterprise Kick Start was established to give youth a chance to get on-the-job experience and training in hospitality.

Recently, Kick Start saw its largest cohort of graduates with 23 young adults completing the program and now on track to a brighter future.

The event at Club Parramatta celebrated the significant achievements of the 23 graduates who have completed their Certificate III in Hospitality and other requirements of the Kick Start training program in 2021.