AbSec

A heartfelt congratulations to Aunty Lola Edwards for winning the Community Individual Award – Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Award announced at the Human Rights Awards 2011. The Award ceremony was hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission and was held on Friday 9 December 2011 in Sydney.

Aunty Lola sadly passed away in August of this year and Bill Pritchard – AbSec CEO and husband of Aunty Lola – received the award. The award recognised Aunty Lola’s contribution to improving the lives of Aboriginal people, particularly members of the Stolen Generations and her persistence in pushing for change which directly resulted in former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s National Apology to members of the Stolen Generations and their families. Aunty Lola’s legacy lives on and this award appropriately recognises her contribution.

November  2011saw Minister  Pru Goward approve the first stage of the OOHC Transition Plan. This plan sets out the principles and the timeframes for the transfer of children and young people in statutory OOHC placements from Family and Community Services(FaCS)  to the non-government sector (NGO).

The transition process will open up huge possibilities for AbSec member agencies and other community controlled organisations. It is also likely to raise some concerns amongst carers and community services staff.

The expected time of transition will commence in early 2012.

For information on Stage 1 of the OOHC Tranisition Plan click here.

For an explanation of the plan in Q & A format click here

A MAG communique regarding the release of the plan click here

The Hon. Pru Goward MP, Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women attended a morning tea with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal carers of Aboriginal children and young people at AbSec on 22 September 2011. The event provided a chance for carers to talk direct to the Minister about issues affecting them as carers to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for the children and young people in their care. A great discussion was had and we are hopeful to hold another event soon.

17 June 2011 we officially opened our new premises at Marrickville. A smoking ceremony was performed by Uncle Max and the Welcome to Country performed by Aunty Esther Carroll. Speeches were given by Dana Clarke AbSec Chairperson along with Bill Pritchard AbSec Chief Executive Officer and Annette Gallard, Chief Executive Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) who officially opened the premises. Over 100 people attended from various sectors from around the state. This was an important occasion for AbSec as the premises had been purchased by AbSec and puts AbSec in a stronger long term position to continue to provide much needed support to our Aboriginal children and young people and member agencies.                                                                                                                                                

We personally thank those who attended for making it a memorable experience!.

AbSec has relocated office to 21 Carrington Road Marrickville.

AbSec is now operating from our new premises in Marrickville.

Our NEW contact details are as follows:

21 Carrington Road Marrickville NSW 2204

PO Box 604 Marrickville NSW 1475

Ph- (02) 9559 5299

Fax- (02) 9559 1669