MercyCare caters to metro south-east
NOT-FOR-PROFIT group MercyCare has opened new offices in Cannington to meet a growing demand for social support services for individuals and families living in Perth’s south-east metropolitan area.
The Catholic provider of aged care, family, health and community services will run its asylum seeker support program – Status Resolution Support Services – as well as its early intervention program for youth at-risk of homelessness, called Reconnect, from the Cannington site.
MercyCare chief executive Chris Hall said the organisation aimed to provide support to those who were most vulnerable.
“We believe people seeking asylum are some of the most disadvantaged people in Australia; many asylum seekers are struggling to survive while preserving their dignity, physical and mental health,” he said.
“Many asylum seekers have settled in Perth’s south-east metropolitan region, so by expanding our services to Cannington MercyCare will be better able to address the very real needs of these people in the local community.
Mr Hall said the Reconnect program, which helped young people find more stable living environments and engage better with their families and others in their community, including training and workforce providers, would continue to provide much-needed support. “Over time, MercyCare will expand the services we deliver from our Cannington office in response to the need of the community. We are committed to realising our vision for people and communities to thrive,” he said.
Red Cross wants blood
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has called on Perth businesses and community groups to donate blood in work teams as part of a push to secure 25 per cent of Australia’s blood needs from employees of organisations.
The Red Cross has set up a group donation program called RED25 in an effort to increase group blood donations from current levels of 1.3 million donations per year, or 16 per cent of total blood donations.
Perth-based community relations officer Mark Bradstreet said any organisation, big or small, could sign up to the RED25 movement.
“Donating as part of a group provides a huge boost to team spirit and morale,” Mr Bradstreet said.
“One in three of us will need blood so you never know when you, a family member of your work colleague will need it.”
Currently, the most prolific corporate team donors in Perth are the Water Corporation, Bankwest, Inpex, Chevron and several government departments.
From May 10, RED25 donors will be able to access Perth’s new CBD blood donor centre at 140 William Street.
Boost for bush footy
CBH Group has extended its sponsorship with the West Australian Country Football League for a 13th year, with a $62,000 sponsorship.
Over the years, CBH has provided more than $600,000 in support to the WACFL.
CBH general manager grower services and external relations Karlie Mucjanko said CBH was proud to support the league as part of CBH’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of people living and working in rural areas.
“Sport brings us together and is a key factor in growing healthy rural communities,” she said.
Ms Mucjanko said country football was also an important development ground for elite players, with more than 50 AFL players coming from grass roots country football leagues in regional Western Australia.
They include former West Coast Eagles Dean Cox and Darren Glass and current players Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras and Jamie Cripps, along with Fremantle Dockers players Aaron Sandilands and Nathan Fyfe.
Salon show at PICA
A SPECIAL exhibition of art focused on epic narratives of turbulence and the disquiet of our times will be held at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts from July 5 to August 16.
The sixth annual PICA Salon event aims to bring together for exhibition and sale the paintings, drawings, photography, video and performance art of Western Australian, national and international artists.
The exhibition and fundraising event kicks off with an evening of art, fashion, music and performance called PICA Salon Vernissage on July 4 at PICA’s central gallery.
A spokesperson said the opening night celebration, which is only open to donors, had developed a reputation for being among the most sought-after events on the Perth arts calendar.
Recognition for service
Nine organisations and 10 individuals working in the state’s aged care sector have been recognised for their service.
The finalists in the 2015 Aged and Community Services WA Excellence in Care awards include trainees, volunteers, employees, organisations, small providers, employers of choice and innovative and best practice projects.
Following a record number of nominations for the annual awards and a surge in the amount of people requiring care, ACSWA chief executive Trevor Lovelle said it was an appropriate time to recognise the dedication and innovation people in the industry provided.
Finalists in the organisation awards were Brightwater Care Group, Maurice Zeffert Homes, Meath Care and Rise Network.
Advocare, City of Subiaco and Juniper were the employer of choice award nominees.
The ACSWA awards will be held on June 5 at Crown Perth.
