Campaign
CANH and its member houses and centres will be
implementing a comprehensive campaign from August - October, 2009
to raise awareness of the value of the sector as a powerful and
effective partner with government in building socially and
economically viable and sustainable communities.
Overview
Raising awareness of the value of the sector has been a priority
of CANH for a number of years, especially the role that houses and
centres play in social inclusion, prevention and early
intervention.
Unfortunately the community development work of the sector
continues to go largely unrecognised for the significant
contribution it makes to the well-being of individuals, families,
communities and ultimately, the State.
This campaign will demonstrate that the sector is serious about
'being known and recognised as essential community building
infrastructure.' It is time to move from only being seen as local
participants in community building, to being recognised as a major
player in the building of prosperous, sustainable and strong
communities.
CANH State Budget Submission 2010-2013
The CANH State Budget Submission 2010-2013 has been forwarded to
the Premier, Hon Mike Rann MP, the Treasurer, Hon Kevin Foley MP
and to Ministers Jennifer Rankine, Michael O'Brien and John Hill,
with courtesy copies sent to all other MP's.
Click here to download the CANH State Budget Submission
2010-2013
Campaign Lobbying Kit
To assist Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses to
effectively lobby for more realistic funding of the sector and to
raise awareness of the value of the sector, CANH has produced a
Campaign Lobbying Kit.
Topics covered in the Kit include:
- Involving people from your House or Centre in the Campaign
- Raising the profile of your House or Centre
- Lobbying your local MP's
- Seeking support of local Government
- Seeking support of champions; and
- Running local Campaign events.
To download a copy of the CANH Campaign Lobbying Kit please click
here.
Campaign Stories
A highlight of the campaign has been hearing the stories of the
people who volunteered to be the postcard "faces" of the sector
campaign. Below are their stories and the role centres played
in changing the direction of their lives.
Daisy's Story
"My family is from north of Tenant Creek and I remember how
alone and isolated we felt until I found the centre where I felt
welcome and safe. The Centre helped me gain confidence and become
stronger and I was able to become a spokesperson/leader for my
family. I am now going to college and teaching other Indigenous
women."
Craig's Story
"I was 14 years old, homeless, hungry and angry when a friend
informed me of a safe place to socialise with peers. The centre
filled me with a sense of warmth I had not experienced. The fear
and anxiety dissolved and I continued to return to that safe place
and learnt everything from cooking to cleaning, budgeting and
general life skills. I volunteered at the centre and was encouraged
to enrol at Elizabeth West Adult Campus. Today I am employed as a
Project Officer and am learning to be proud of the challenges I
have faced and overcome."
Kerry's Story
"I first came to the centre to improve my Literacy and Numeracy
skills so that I could help my 7 year old daughter with her
schooling. Twelve months on, I was confidently helping her with her
homework. I now volunteer at the Centre, assisting other Learners
to develop these skills and have recently gained employment as a
Team Leader in the Beauty Industry. The skills that I developed
through my studies have given me the confidence to take on this
responsible leadership role."
Tom's Story
"I lost my partner of 37 years which left me alone, lost and
depressed. Since I joined the Taperoo Community Centre my life has
changed completely. I am involved in many activities including
computing, photography and drama groups. I have now formed a wide
group of friends and my life has meaning, something I never thought
possible six years ago."
Campaign details
For more information about how centres and houses can become
involved in the CANH Campaign please contact Gill McFadyen,
Executive Officer CANH on (08) 8371 4622 or email gill.mcfadyen@canh.asn.au.