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RECENT NEWS

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER OF OPEN PLACE.

It is with mixed feelings of regret and anticipation that I have decided to resign from my current role as Manager of Open Place to take up a new opportunity at Berry Street.

Two years ago I was offered a wonderful opportunity to establish a new service specifically set up to address the needs of Victoria’s Forgotten Australians. I knew something of the circumstances of Forgotten Australians having listened to the National Apology in November 2009 and having read the Senate Committee Report. Having been a Social Worker for most of my working life I felt equipped and ready to set up this exciting new service. But I was not prepared for the huge learning curve that was awaiting me! When I look back now I recognise how limited my understanding was of a childhood spent in institutional care. I have learned so much more in these past two years about the experience and impact of being in care and also about the system itself that delivered that “care”.

I have many memories that I shall take away with me. I recall a wonderful day in Sydney with Leonie Sheedy soon after my appointment. It was an eye opening and fun experience that I shall not forget. Thank you Leonie! I remember the Christmas parties and the joy of seeing so many Forgotten Australians having such a good time! I shall always treasure my trips to Donald to visit the group and share happy meals together and lots of laughter.

Apart from the wrench of leaving the warm friendship of Forgotten Australians I feel a great sadness to be leaving the staff team at Open Place after two years of working intensely together. Each staff member has worked tirelessly over the past two years to build the service and to create a warm and welcoming space at Open Place. I am confident however that I am leaving the service at a good point in time with knowledge and skills developed over the past 24 months informing clear plans for a healthy future.

I have many people to thank for their support and encouragement over the past two years, including many people from other agencies and services that we are connected to such as Vanish, MacKillop, St Luke’s, Kildonan, Orana, CAFS, Link Up, Connecting Home, Melbourne University, Relationships Australia and DHS. I would like to thank all my staff for their commitment and dedication and for doing a simply fabulous job! With the support of my staff, I will single out Caroline Carroll as someone who has been generous and gracious and patient with me as she watched the service step forward and stumble occasionally but ultimately, under her guidance, follow a solid path of support for Forgotten Australians.

It has been a truly remarkable experience working with Forgotten Australians. I have learned much more than I thought was possible from some extraordinary people. I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to meet so many courageous men and women who have shown me wisdom and understanding about life that for them was borne out of a deep childhood sorrow and hurt. You know who you are and your stories will stay with me.

WHAT'S ON

New Social Support Groups - 2012

Open Place will begin the new year with 4 new Social Support Groups - Dandenong, Sale, Broadmeadows & Wangaratta

Dandenong's first group will be held on Thursday, 19 Janaury, 2012 at 1.00pm - 3.00pm at the Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Park Drive, Noble Park. An early Afternoon tea will be provided.

Sale's first group will be held on Thursday 9 February at 6.00pm - 8.00pm at the Sale Neighbourhood House, 19-21 Leslie Street, Sale. A light dinner (Pizza) will be provided.

Wangaratta's first group will be held on Friday 17th February, 2012 at 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Pangerang Community House, 38 Ovens Street, Wangaratta. An early afternoon tea will be provided.

Broadmeadow's first group will be held on Friday 17 February at 1.30pm - 3pm at the Dallas Neighbourhood House, 182 Widford Street, Broadmeadows. Afternoon tea will be provided.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Wendi on 1800 779 379 to ensure adequate catering can be provided. We'd love to see you on the day.

OpenPlace support service for forgotten australians

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