Inspirational relief dash for bushfire victims

The natural compassion of our Wayss team hit top gear earlier this month as many dug deep for an inspiring relief effort from staff members Jade and Bec, who sought to help animals and families impacted during the bushfire crisis.

Jade, a horse enthusiast, was spurred into action over the horrific loss of animal life throughout Victoria and NSW. Through her social media connections, developed through her passion for fostering animals, she learned many horses had been left unfed in the Gippsland area, due to evacuations. As Jade has a horse float with a large storage capacity, the duo put out a call for donations of hay or any items that could be delivered where needed most.

Once the supplies were collected, Jade and Bec completed an impromptu mercy dash to Bairnsdale. The country town was one of the most in-need, yet accessible, impacted areas.

"The fact is there were all these horses that nobody was really tending to because they were busy evacuating," Jade said.

"So over 300 horses hadn't been fed. Bec and I decided to donate our time as an instantaneous donation. We thought we could help the cause if we actually did something. We thought we could drive across there and drop off supplies, and help out the day-to-day caring of the animals, because who's doing that part?"

Jade and Bec called on donations from Wayss staff members and were impressed with the enthusiasm of their colleagues.

"We had a great response. Everyone was amazing," Jade said.

"I found random donations at my desk throughout the day, while people even bought clothes from the market for kids. Some people weren't too sure, so gave cash - and we went to the supermarket and bought slabs of water."

Jade and Bec also approached Dandenong Coles, which donated 10 slabs of water.

With the horse float packed to the brim, Jade and Bec headed to Bairnsdale. During their road trip, they even attracted the attention of metropolitan radio station, 3AW, which conducted a live interview.

Bec and helper Tara provided assistance for those impacted.

Bec said; "It was a bit awkward and they were like, 'why are you doing it? But, we were like, 'why not?'"

Once they arrived in Bairnsdale, Jade said she was better prepared for what she saw, having assisted during last year's Bunyip fires. Although, Bec said it was a new experience for her.

"As a city girl, there were many things I learnt - like not to stand behind a horse," she said.

"But there were so many things people are forgetting - like people have cats, but no cat litter. Dogs, but no dog food. Many were saying there were no ATMs with money in them, so they were unable to buy essential items."

Meanwhile, their feats also won praise within the Wayss office, with Lisa commenting; "It makes me so proud to walk alongside people who walk the walk".

Wayss is on the move!

From Monday, 9 December, you will find the Wayss Dandenong team in our brand new location at 20 Princes Highway (the old Good Guys store). Spacious and modern, the new premises has been custom-designed to provide a calm, welcoming environment for Wayss' clients and a contemporary open-plan office space for our 100 Dandenong-based staff.

The new interior features fresh colours and contemporary furnishings with specially designed interview rooms and children's areas. The footprint is an adaptable layout that offers opportunity for future growth in Wayss' trusted homelessness and family violence support services that have been delivered within our community for more than half a century.

For the past 17 years, Wayss has delivered corporate services and Dandenong-based client support services from 294 Thomas Street, but an increase in service demand has seen it outgrow the current premises.

Wayss Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Thomas, said the relocation was an essential move for staff and clients.

Pictured (L-R) at the new premises is Wayss CEO, Elizabeth
Thomas with Brenna, Steve and Lisa.

"Our relocation is the next step in the advancement of Wayss. Our focus has always been, and always will be, on supporting our community, families and our clients. We're always looking at ways we can support our clients better, many of whom are trying to rebuild their lives," Ms Thomas said.

"The new, modern office space includes features that have been designed specifically with client welfare in mind. Some interview rooms have an adjoining play area for children while difficult conversations are taking place with the adult. 

"The new office is also part of Wayss' commitment to being an employer of choice, so we can continue to attract and maintain the highest quality of staff to support our clients."

Evolution of Wayss

For more than 50 years, Wayss has supported clients in southern Melbourne experiencing homelessness or family violence.

Wayss' goal is to ensure all people can access safe, secure housing, and the support networks they need, through services provided in the Local Government (LGAs) of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, all areas which consistently record among the highest rates of homelessness and family violence in Victoria.

In the most recent Census, in 2016, 28% of all people who identified as experiencing homelessness in Victoria were living within the Southern region, which includes the LGAs in Wayss' client catchment area.

Housing initiative supports women to rebuild their lives

Ten short-term homes have been built in Cardinia to accommodate women and children for up to two years, who have experienced family violence and are faced with homelessness.

Funded by the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation, this social housing initiative, 'Built for Good', is a standout partnership and collaboration between council, philanthropists, business and local community organisations. The project aims to pave the way for stable and secure housing in the area.

Local builders Sienna Homes have constructed the purpose-built housing complex, which includes onsite office, on council land. The goal is to respond to the social issue of family violence and the resulting homelessness that is often experienced.

Pictured  at the launch (L - R): Vaughan McDonald,
Elizabeth Thomas, Lucinda White, Cr Jeff Springfield,
speaker Sam Stuckey, Dr Lynette Buoy.

The need for social housing across the state has dramatically increased over the past two years, including in Cardinia. The social issue impacts significantly on the shire community. More than 220 people are experiencing homelessness across Cardinia Shire at any one time. This figure has increased 53% from 2011 to 2016.

Each day, on average, Pakenham police officers refer two women to family violence support-provider, Wayss. Of those seeking support for social housing in Cardinia Shire, 24.2% is due to family violence. Of all presentations, 92% are women.

Wayss manages the housing complex, which includes a mix of single and double-storey units and comprises two, three and four bedrooms. At any one time, the complete 26 bedrooms will ensure women and their children will be safely housed and supported with wrap-around services provided by Windermere and Wayss.

Ways Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Thomas, said the flagship project is a model for others to follow nationwide.

"The Main Street Project provides the 10 families who live there with the security, stability and support they need to flourish and move on to live a better life," Ms Thomas said.

"A project of this scale can only become a reality with true collaboration and cooperation. The Main Street Project is a wonderful demonstration of the power of partnerships and has been made possible by the commitment of Cardinia Shire Council to provide the land for the development; the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation's generosity in funding the construction of the homes, Sienna Homes' contribution to the building project, and Wayss' and Windermere's specialised service skills."

Hear from Ms Thomas during the launch:

Windermere Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lynette Buoy

"Being able to provide stable housing is the first step in truly allowing families to rebuild their lives. The opportunity to work with families to help them achieve their goals is the biggest honour we can be given. This partnership is amazing and a true gift combined with ambition and shared vision of improving people's lives that we are glad to be part of," Dr Buoy said.

The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation

The Foundation is proud to partner with Cardinia Shire Council, Wayss, Windermere, Sienna Homes and the suppliers to deliver this important project. It is wonderful to see what can be achieved when philanthropy, business, local council and housing support groups work together to help solve a problem that sadly affects all levels of our society. We believe it will provide great benefit to the women and children affected by homelessness and/or family violence, and the greater community as a whole.

Sienna Homes Director, Vaughan McDonald

"We are very proud of the homes we have constructed as part of this collaborative project. The homes have been built with the assistance of our suppliers and the support and dedication of our staff; something I am truly grateful for," Mr McDonald said.

"By building these 10 homes, we hope to provide women and children a safe and nurturing environment where they can rebuild their lives after the trauma of family violence. As part of the 'Built for Good' partnership, our ongoing objective is to advocate and seek out new opportunities to provide purpose-built housing for people in need."

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jeff Springfield

"'Built for Good' is a demonstration of Council's commitment to providing safe, secure and affordable housing for vulnerable people in Cardinia Shire," Cr Springfield said.

"Working collaboratively with Wayss, Windermere, Peter and Lyndy White Foundaction and Sienna Homes on this project has further proven the power of partnerships for achieving big, real change for our community.

"Council is very proud of the work that has gone into this five-partner collaborative project and we are privileged to be able to provide the land to enable such positive change in the lives of people within our community."

Hear from Cr Springfield during the launch:

'Crisis support not solution - housing ends homelessness': Incoming CEO

The board of Wayss has appointed Elizabeth Thomas to lead the organisation on a permanent basis, following a successful six-month tenure as Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Thomas brings a wealth of corporate experience to the role, which she is adamant will support Wayss' advocacy to increase affordable housing options for the benefit of homelessness and family violence clients, right across the regions of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston.

Newly appointed CEO, Elizabeth Thomas.

Ms Thomas said while Wayss must continue to provide immediate and supportive response to families in crisis, it is not the long-term answer. "Crisis response is not a solution to ending homelessness - quite simply, housing ends homelessness," she said.

Ms Thomas will continue to call for all levels of government to work with property investors, and the broader business and community service sector, to work strategically and immediately to increase investment in affordable and diverse housing options.

Wayss Chair, Steve Peterson, said Ms Thomas is the right person to lead the journey towards "the next phase of Wayss".

"As the landscape within the sector changes so significantly, so must Wayss. In her time as interim CEO, Elizabeth has worked with the board to drive the process of transformational change within the organisation," Mr Peterson said.

"Her skills and experience have been instrumental, as we move along the path of transition. We are thrilled to have secured Liz's ongoing services and the announcement means we have all-important stability."

During the course of her career, Ms Thomas has worked in executive leadership positions in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and most recently Hobart, where she was the Public Trustee of Tasmania and then the Managing Director of Tasmania's first Common Ground social housing project.

Elizabeth said there was genuine excitement among Wayss' 150-plus team for the new Wayss strategic plan, which had a clear focus on Wayss increasing housing options for clients.

"I very much look forward to continuing to lead Wayss' future service delivery," Ms Thomas said.

"Wayss is not the largest player in the sector, however, because of our size we can be nimble and responsive to opportunities, as and when they present. It also means that we can actively engage in strategic alliances and partnerships to maximise the impact of service we deliver to our clients and the community."

Winter donations warm hearts

Good will knows no bounds.

Students, teachers and friends of Woodleigh School's Penbank campus in Moorooduc have considered the welfare of others during a particularly icy winter this year.

To help our most vulnerable, the school-led coat drive netted well over 100 men's, women's and children's jackets and winter clothing.

A great selection of warm winter jackets.

The high quality items will go to Wayss' Southern Women's Integrated Support Services (SWISS) centre, a family violence refuge for women and children, which offers specialist crisis support.

In addition to their winter woolies, the school's Parents and Friends Committee raised a $1,000 donation to SWISS.

Wayss Family Violence Crisis and High Risk Response Manager, Lisa, said the donation will go towards a new computer for the youth and children's sensory room, which forms a crucial part of the refuge.

"To provide children fleeing family violence a place to be able to continue with their education, using the computer to assist them with homework and assignments," she said.

"It will also provide an opportunity to have access to the normal types of activities they are used to, such as playing computer games.

"Both these types of activities give vulnerable young people a chance to feel 'normal', for even a short amount of time."

Ace support for local youth

An impromptu game of ping-pong proved a novel way to engage and educate students at a well-received youth expo.

Wayss' team members at the Wellbeing Expo.

Three members from the Wayss’ Dandenong Youth team attended the Wellbeing Expo at Dandenong High School on Monday, 26 August.

Wayss joined many community agencies to organise stalls for students to access, so they could learn more about what support networks are available in the local area.

The youth team got creative with their stall through initiating a ping-pong activity. This proved both fun and educational, as students had a great time and the Wayss stall was very popular, with gift bags provided.

The event enabled Dandenong High School and community agencies to collaborate to organise a safe space for students to learn about wellbeing.

Contact us

Wayss

(03) 9791 6111

community@wayss.org.au 

Family violence response enters digital age

Game-changing technology from Victoria Police is improving how Wayss works with police officers to reduce family violence.

Launched state-wide on 14 August, the Family Violence Reporting (FVR) technology is available on mobile devices to help police improve risk assessment and hold more perpetrators to account. More than 9,000 devices are now in use in Victoria, allowing police officers to submit reports in the field. They can also make immediate referrals to service providers, such as Wayss.

The introduction represents a significant change in how police gather information from victim/survivors and includes more information about any children involved. The questions on the digital form must be completed and are designed to identify risk and provide greater background.

Wayss CEO, Elizabeth Thomas, said the technology is providing Wayss staff with valuable data.

“We’re gaining access to additional details that inform risk. This enables us to assess the situation more efficiently and provide a more targeted response,” Ms Thomas said.

“We’re receiving greater detail on what sort of order we’re dealing with, when court dates are and other information that informs risk. We can check how many previous reports there have been, what they have been. We can assess quickly whether the situation is escalating … what sort of risk we’re looking at."

The FVR tool aims to improve responses.

The introduction of FVR is a result of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which, among other recommendations, sought to ensure the accurate, efficient recording of incidents. The report still comes through as an L17 (family violence) report, but is now called a Family Police Report.

FVR comes as referrals to Wayss increase. From the start of this year to 31 July, Wayss has responded to 5,883 L17 referrals. To put this into perspective, Wayss received 6,498 referrals in the entire 2017-18 financial year.

“This increase translates to more women and children seeking support from across all our services and programs. This provides us with greater opportunity to keep them safe,” Ms Thomas said.

During the launch, Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner, Dean McWhirter, said family violence, and violence against women, accounted for between 40% and 60% of frontline police time.

“In the past 12 months to March this year, police responded to more than 81,000 incidents of family violence,” AC McWhirter said.

“These incidents can be complex and police are often required to make assessments in stressful circumstances to keep people safe.

“The FVR gives police more guidance and confidence to make improved decisions based on the information they collect, combined with enhanced training and professional judgement.

“Police officers will be better-equipped to understand the intricacies of relationships to determine the risk level. It allows police to collect consistent information to better track repeat offenders and those who breach intervention orders.”

FVR technology in focus

• Allows officers to conduct checks on a person, licence, vehicles and locations.
• Questions are designed to help officers assess how they can protect the victim.
• Officers can collect consistent information to better track repeat offenders and those who breach intervention orders.
• Crime and event reports can be submitted to include: Family violence report, assault, justice procedures, harassment, and property damage.

Contact us

Wayss

(03) 9791 6111

community@wayss.org.au