Leading the way

Two important community programs delivered by Intereach will continue after contracts were issued by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services.

The Children and Parenting Support (CaPS) program has been extended for a further two years to June 30, 2023, and the Reach Out And Relax (ROAR) program as part of Family and Mental Health Support Services will continue for at least a further five years to June 30, 2026.

Intereach General Manager Operations Michelle Tai said it was “with great pleasure” she could confirm the extension to the programs.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue delivering these valuable support services to our local communities. I would like to thank our Family and Mental Health team for their efforts in successfully delivering the programs, which has been instrumental in achieving these extensions,” Ms Tai said.

The Intereach Children and Parenting Services (CaPS) program offers in-home or centre-based services, including parenting groups, one-to-one parenting support, outreach programs, peer support groups, workshops and information sessions. The Parenting Program is available in the local government areas of Edward River, Murray River, Murrumbidgee and Berrigan.

“Under our Parenting Program, Intereach works alongside parents and carers to develop their skills and confidence as a parent,” Ms Tai said.

Reach Out and Relax (ROAR) supports young people, aged up to 18, and their families, who are showing early signs or are at risk of developing a mental health issue. ROAR is delivered across the local government areas of Balranald, Wentworth, Berrigan, Hay, Edward River, Murray River, Federation, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Wagga Wagga, Lockhart, Leeton, Temora, Griffith, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai and Junee.

Ms Tai said ROAR is a free and confidential program that provides important supports to young people and their families.

Intereach supports children and families, older people, people living with disability, mental health and carers. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can contact the team at Intereach on the toll free number 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au.

Intereach’s Victorian offices will reopen to the public from 9am on Monday, June 7, following the Victorian Government’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions in regional Victoria.

Intereach has offices in Seymour, Shepparton, Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill, Mildura, Gisborne and Maryborough, open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.

Acting Intereach CEO Yvette Buhagiar says the organisation will continue to follow government directives to ensure the safety of Intereach participants and staff and the wider community.

“Our offices will reopen and operate under the government restrictions that are in place. We’re still encouraging our staff and participants in Victoria to utilise phone or virtual meetings where possible, and only have face-to-face when necessary.

“We understand that this is a tough time once again for Victorians and we encourage everyone to look out for each other and stay safe, especially our city cousins in Melbourne.”

Yvette said Intereach recognises that some programs such as Aged Care Services and Children’s Services have unique needs and considerations. These programs continue to operate under appropriate COVID-19 precautions.

“We’re well prepared as an organisation to respond to COVID situations, given we’ve been through this before, and we developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Safe Plan which we’ll continue to follow.”

Anyone showing symptoms of Coronavirus – such as coughing, fever, flu-like symptoms – should self-isolate and contact the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Anyone with queries about Intereach’s COVID-19 response, or any other matter, can phone 1300 488 226 or email contact@intereach.com.au.

Intereach is facilitating the formation of a new peer support group for parents and carers of children aged 0-6 living with developmental concerns, living in the Yarrawonga area.

It’s a great opportunity for those involved to meet other parents / carers in a supportive environment, while sharing a cuppa and a chat. There is also the potential to exchange ideas and stories.

The group will meet every second Tuesday, from 10.30 to 11.30am, and there is no cost attached. The first catch-up will be held Tuesday, July 13 at the Country Women’s Association Yarrawonga & Border Branch (21 Hovell Street).

It’s anticipated that the meeting place will move around, and toys and books can be made available if you’re planning to bring your little ones along with you.

Please contact either Sharon Soule or Shobhana Sreetharan if you would like more information, or you’re interested in being part of the group. They can be reached on 1300 488 226 or email community@Intereach.com.au

Intereach has congratulated organisers of the Migay Allawah event, held at Four Post Camp near Deniliquin on April 29.

Migay Allawah – which means ‘Women’s gathering’ – is an annual event where Aboriginal women from across the Riverina-Murray region gather to connect, network and renew friendships.

About 150 women attended the Deniliquin event, which had been scheduled for last year but had to be cancelled due to COVID.

The event’s planning and organisation was overseen by the Riverina Murray Regional Alliance (RMRA) with support from an organising committee, various other groups and not-for-profit organisations and Aboriginal Affairs NSW.

Intereach Aboriginal Health and Family Support Worker Jill Owen was part of the organising committee, which also included RMRA project officer Melissa Bilney, RMRA delegate Heather Bramich and local representatives Karen Mobourne, who was the MC on the day, Lorraine Parsons and Anita Mobourne.

Jill said it was a great day held in a beautiful bush setting next to the Kolety River (Edward River).

“There were a lot of women who benefited from the event, accessing service providers who were there on-site offering information, advice and support. There were speakers on health and wellbeing, legal advice, business opportunities, mental health, environment and other topics; also available were counselling and screening appointment opportunities for women which were well received on the day.

“Everybody enjoyed a wonderful lunch, and there were raffles and a spinning wheel with wonderful prizes and live music from Madi Colville-Walker who was a beautiful voice. Everyone had a good time …. there was lots of laughing and joking.

“We had women travel from Griffith, Albury, Wagga, Darlington Point, Narrandera, Leeton and many more places; the social aspect was a main focus of the event, especially after a year of COVID restrictions which were pretty isolating.

“Well done to all involved and especially Melissa Bilney who did a wonderful job bringing it together.”

Jill said Intereach is extremely grateful to be involved in Migay Allawah and is proud to have supported the event with transport arrangements and a small amount of funding.

Intereach’s Community Transport team arranged transportation from Griffith, Narrandera and Leeton and also transported Deni High students to and from the event.

Migay Allaway is held at a different town each year, and next year moves to Cootamundra, where Intereach also has an office.

Intereach supports children and families, older people, people living with disability, mental health and carers. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can contact the team at Intereach on the toll-free number 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au.

Caption: Intereach staff members (from left) Lee, Jill, Mardi, Emma and Gerry all helped with the Intereach information stand at the Migay Allawah event.