Help end homelessness

Affordable, safe and secure housing is an essential human right.

Uniting Vic.Tas announces leadership changes

Statement by Bronwyn Pike, Chair of the Board

 Monday 29 July 2019 – I am today announcing a number of leadership changes within Uniting Vic.Tas.

It’s time to Raise the Rate

As part of our commitment to reducing poverty and inequality, we’re asking the Australian government to raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a time for all of us to work together for a shared future.

Personal experience helps to guide RAP

Ben Atkinson has spent most of his career working towards better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in his local community.

Felicity* had nothing left and nowhere to go…

Devastated, Felicity stared at the smouldering embers of her family home. All her possessions, her memories and her security had burnt to the ground – she had nothing left and nowhere to go.

Volunteering role leads to valued friendships

For Jean, volunteering at her local op shop has led to new friendships.

A reassuring voice for people in need

Jay is one of the thousands of Lifeline volunteers who provide life-saving support to people in crisis each day.

The importance of giving back

Maria started volunteering with Uniting seven years ago as a way of giving back to her community.

Celebrating 60 years of volunteering

For nearly 60 years, Jan has been a familiar face at St Mark’s Uniting Church.

Winter Breakfast provides food for thought

It’s time to take a holistic approach to help people experiencing financial vulnerability, social isolation and poor mental healt

Our Federal election platform

As the federal election day draws closer, we believe urgent action is needed to ensure all Australians are supported and empowered to live a fulfilling life. That is why we have selected four priorities that we are bringing to the attention of candidates in these elections.

Supporting families in need

Sally* and her children are one of the growing number of families living in crisis due to the rising cost of living.

Easter message from Uniting

The Easter period embraces two powerful reminders of the foundations of the Christian faith – profound loss and resurrection or new life.

Christmas wrapped up

The great success of our 2018 Christmas appeals was thanks to you, our generous and compassionate supporters, and the wider community.

Sharing a meal is togetherness

Young people at risk of, or experiencing crisis and instability can remain connected to their community and enjoy a good meal through the Meals for Change program in Ballarat.

New funding will give children a better start

Michelle is one of the 93% of Victorian parents who believe early learning is crucial to a child’s development.

Community partnership eases financial burden

Accessing the right support can be challenging for people facing financial
hardship, family violence, health concerns, housing or employment issues.

Uniting Church joins National Redress Scheme

The Federal Minister for Families and Social Services has notified the Uniting Church in Australia that it meets the requirements to take part in the National Redress Scheme for people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Service affected by bushfires in Eastern Victoria

The ongoing bushfires in Eastern Victoria are affecting some of our services in that region.

Please contact your local office if you need more information.

UN World Day of Social Justice

An important part of our mission is to confront injustice and improve people’s lives.

February 20 marks the tenth annual United Nations (UN) World Day of Social Justice.

Making a difference with Fire & Clay

A registered Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) employing more than 30 people, the talented team at Fire & Clay produce an array of handcrafted pottery and ceramic garden products.

Uniting and Swinburne join forces to strengthen community services

The new research collaboration with Swinburne University is part of a strategic vision to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable people

Changes are needed to the ParentsNext program

Our CEO, Paul Linossier, has today written to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee making clear that changes are needed to the ParentsNext program, and in particular the Targeted Compliance Framework. In our view the program as currently operating hurts the people it is designed to support and makes them even more vulnerable.

Brad and Bella’s story

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of securing your first job—and the experience was no less satisfying for Brad, 27 and Bella, 23. The dynamic duo has been bursting with enthusiasm ever since they began their careers with Telstra.

Support helps Mark pursue his passion

Mark is happiest with a guitar in hand, but living with disability and mental illness has made it hard for him to pursue his passion. Not anymore.

16 Days of Activism

Over the next 16 days we’re joining the global movement to raise awareness of and take action against gender-based violence as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Uniting supports North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room

Today the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania and its community services organisation, Uniting Vic.Tas, have expressed disappointment at the announcement by the Victorian Liberal Leader Matthew Guy that he would close the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) if the Coalition win this weekend’s State election.

Kerry’s story

Kerry Post has over 12 years of foster care experience and has cared for 48 children in that time.

Peter and Maureen’s story

Our foster carers come from all walks of life. They can be of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, be of any sexual orientation, partnered or married, employed or full-time at home.

Coroner’s Findings on the death of Patrick McCabe

A statement on the Coroner’s findings into the death of Patrick McCabe.

Give more than hope: Keep families together this Christmas

Sandra held the little girl in her arms, fighting to hold back the tears. Being a grandmother was supposed to be full of joy and delight. She could never have imagined that it would be like this – sleeping in the back of a car surrounded by their belongings.

We are Wimmera book launches at rural schools

A book celebrating the voices of children living in the Wimmera region has been launched to coincide with National Children’s Week. Titled We Are Wimmera, the book features pictures and words that reflect the creativity and imagination of local children.

Working together to end poverty

This week we are marking Anti-Poverty Week. In spite of 25 years of economic growth, poverty levels in Australia haven’t reduced in over a decade. Three million Australians live below the poverty line and Victoria has the highest level of child poverty in the country, at 18.6%.

Horses for Hope Spring Open Day

Horses For Hope is helping humans and horses heal together after facing some of life’s biggest hurdles.

The equine assisted therapy program assists people of all ages who have not successfully engaged or been supported by traditional therapies.

Celebrating National Op Shop Week

Each day hundreds of volunteers keep our op shops running to raise vital funds for Uniting services and offer affordable goods to local communities.

Hope for Esta

In 2016, Esta sought refuge in Australia after fleeing her home in Papua New Guinea, where her violent husband and other community members had put her life at risk. She made the difficult decision to leave her three children in her mother’s care to ensure their safety.

Courage overcomes

April knows firsthand what it means to be homeless. Now she is determined to make a difference for others.

Victoria commits to supporting care-leavers

Today we are celebrating good news for young people in foster and residential care. They will be offered support until the age of 21, thanks to funding announced by the Victorian State Government.

Students pitch in to help youth in crisis

Students from North Ringwood Community House have pitched in to create an outdoor haven for fellow youth experiencing crisis.

A call for kinder funding for three-year olds

All children deserve access to quality education that gives them the best start to life.

That’s why we’re calling on political parties to commit to 15-hours a week of fully funded, high-quality early learning for every three-year-old.

Uniting welcomes new laws to make renting fairer

At Uniting, we believe that affordable, safe and secure housing is an essential human right.

Today we welcome news of the State Government’s new laws to make renting fairer for all Victorians.

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will strengthen renters’ rights and better protect vulnerable tenants.

Pick My Project

Pick My Project is a Victorian-first community grants initiative, with over $1 million in funding available in each metro and regional area.

You have the opportunity to vote for the three projects you think will best assist your community.

Voting is open until 5pm on Monday 17 September. To register and vote, visit www.pickmyproject.vic.gov.au

Ensuring everyone has a place to call home

Megan is one of the 12,111 Victorians experiencing crisis and homelessness that we supported in the last financial year.

She is the human face of the housing crisis that is leaving thousands of people across Victoria and Tasmania vulnerable, barely surviving and, in many cases, homeless.

Expression of interest open for Aboriginal artists

Are you an established or emerging Aboriginal artist based in Victoria or Tasmania? We are currently inviting expressions of interest to work with us on a commissioned artwork as the creative expression of our journey to reconciliation.

Lifeline Ballarat volunteer recognised for outstanding achievement

Denise has volunteered with Lifeline Ballarat for ten years. She is this year’s Victorian State Finalist for the Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award at the national Lifeline conference.

A Q&A with Jodie

We invited First Nations woman and Uniting Aged and Community Services Team Leader, Jodie Hampson to share her thoughts on NAIDOC Week and being a First Nations women with us.

Working better together to support families

Uniting Vic.Tas welcomes news of the Victorian Government’s $17.4 million Family Violence Advisor program. The program will see two family Violence Advisors shorty commence at Uniting’s specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) service, Uniting ReGen, in their North Eastern and Hume Moreland Catchment areas.

Powering change in our communities

An innovative power saving challenge by power company Jemena has resulted in a generous donation to a Uniting program that helps people facing financial hardship access the right support.

Naomi didn’t know where to turn

We need to raise $600,000 by June 30 to provide support for people in crisis. Your tax deductible donation is crucial for helping people to move from crisis to stability.

Support for a Treaty in Victoria

This week the Victorian Parliament is considering a Bill that takes the first steps in establishing a Treaty with Traditional Owners. We urge all members of the Victorian Parliament to support the Treaty advancement process.

Meet Bernadette

With limited transport options and fewer services available for people living outside of central city areas, families can find themselves stressed and lonely – often with no one to turn to.

A message from Paul Linossier

Today sees the start of National Volunteer Week. Over this week, we’ll share stories of volunteering from around Uniting, highlighting the different experiences of our volunteers and the many reasons people give their time to support others.

Meet Christiane

As part of the Uniting St Mark’s Planned Activity Group for over a year, volunteer Christiane says it’s the people working and attending the group that keep her as passionate as she was on her first day.

Meet Gordon

Uniting volunteer, photographer and veteran Gordon Traill shares his journey in the hopes it will bring hope for others

Meet Boris

After completing his studies in Australia, Boris moved back to Hong Kong to pursue a banking career. But something just didn’t feel right.

Meet Faye

Without support from dedicated volunteers like Faye, we would not be able to provide one-to-one support for those in our Through the Looking Glass program.

The 10 week program includes parenting support and a playgroup for newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants in Shepparton, both of which Faye has supported.

The Victoria Cross – Australia Remembers

A new book, The Victoria Cross – Australia Remembers, photographed by ex-veteran and Uniting volunteer Gordon Traills, tells the stories of the families of 100 Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross.

New services launched to support users of alcohol and other drugs

Uniting in Victoria and Tasmania has today launched two new alcohol and other drug (AOD) services to save lives and create safer environments for families across Victoria.

More support for brothers and sisters in out-of-home care

In a national first, the Victorian State Government has announced that Uniting Vic.Tas will lead the introduction of a new trial service for foster children with siblings, the Keeping Connected Program.

Read more

Enlivening Christmas Day for many

Every year Uniting Prahran hosts a Christmas lunch for vulnerable people. In 2017 they partnered with Stonnington City Council for a grand gathering of 300 guests to share the joy and celebration of the season.

Can tiny houses make a big change?

Across Australia, 44,000 young people don’t have a safe place to sleep at night, and it’s not just a big city problem. Last year we supported to 116 young people in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, 102 of whom were at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

Firefighters step up to raise funds

Every minute in Australia, someone calls Lifeline. People call looking for someone to talk to about suicidal thoughts or attempts, personal crisis, anxiety, depression, loneliness, abuse, or seeking information for friends and family.

Building confident families

With the right advice and support, family situations that are unhealthy or even dangerous for children can be restored to caring, safe places where everyone thrives and children get the best start in life.

Seeking asylum

God’s call to welcome the refugee and the stranger makes providing support for people seeking asylum a priority for many Uniting Church congregations. In Victoria, the result is a church network that is an essential part of the Uniting Asylum Seeker Program.

Seeking asylum

People seeking asylum are some of the most vulnerable in our community.
While they wait for the outcome of their protection claims, some people have no work rights, no income or healthcare and no access to safe housing.

Make a difference to families in your local Yarra Ranges community.

Home Start offers early intervention support, friendship and practical parenting insights for families with at least one child who is eight years of age or younger. In Yarra Ranges it is run by Uniting. While the work being done has already made a powerful and positive difference in the local community, more volunteers are needed to keep it going.

Understanding the codeine ban

From 1 February 2018, medicines containing codeine will no longer be available without a prescription. What might this mean for you, or someone you care for?

Oakleigh students lend green thumbs

Clients at Uniting St Mark’s were thrilled to have a few extra green thumbs at work in the garden recently when they were joined by 14 year-nine students from Oakleigh Grammar.

Join us for a Christmas meal

Uniting is hosting a number of community lunches during the Christmas season for our clients to come together and enjoy a warm meal and a chat.

Celebrate spring at PepperTree Place Garden Fiesta on 11 November

A community nursery run by Uniting Kildonan, located in Coburg in Melbourne’s north, is encouraging families and communities to come together to learn about growing and preparing fresh food at its annual Garden Fiesta.

MEDIA RELEASE: Uniting applaud announcement of Australia’s second Medically Supervised Injecting Centre

The organisation that opened Australia’s first Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), today welcomed the Victorian government announcement that a centre will be established in Melbourne.

Stories behind the paintbrush

Talented artists who participate in programs run by Uniting Wesley and Uniting Harrison have been selected to exhibit their works at the State Trustees Connected Art Exhibition at Federation Square from Monday 23 October.

Older voices making waves

On Monday 23 October, the longest running uninterrupted interview program in the history of community radio, Listen to Older Voices, will go to air with its 1,000^th episode. For 19 years, the program, which is part of Uniting Wesley’s Melba Club, has provided a public platform for the stories, views and opinions of older citizens across Melbourne.

Lifeline urges focus on hope and recovery

National suicide data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has shown a slight reduction in deaths by suicide. Sadly, there are still about eight lives lost to suicide every day in Australia.

MEDIA RELEASE: Uniting Ballarat employee recognised for efforts in homelessness

Uniting Ballarat is celebrating after the announcement that one of their own has been recognised as going above and beyond for people who are experiencing homelessness in the local area.

MEDIA RELEASE: New career results in regional award

Uniting Wimmera Family Day Care Educator, Collette Okely, has been named a regional winner in the 2017 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

Bringing suicide out of the shadows

If you’re concerned that someone you know might be thinking about taking their own life, it’s important to be direct in asking the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?”

Victorian Disability Awards honour

It’s no wonder that Uniting’s hardworking Pathways 2 Employment team took out the Excellence in Employment Outcomes award at the recent Victorian Disability Awards – an honour that Community Relations Manager, Vicki Walsh, says is so well deserved.

Spotlight on Melbourne’s ‘hidden homeless’

In Melbourne’s eastern suburbs more than 13,000 people sought the assistance of homelessness and crisis services last year.

Many of them were Melbourne’s ‘hidden homeless’, people who live temporarily with others but aren’t guaranteed permanent, private and secure housing.

Medically Supervised Injecting Centres (MSICs)

Uniting is developing a resolution on Medically Supervised Injecting Centres (MSICs) for the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania, following a request from Moderator Rev Sharon Hollis and General Secretary Rev Dr Mark Lawrence.

UnitingCare Australia Calls for Nationally Consistent Approach to Elder Abuse

The nation’s largest provider of aged care services has supported the Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) call for a national approach to combatting elder abuse in its Elder Abuse – A National Legal Response recently released.

The Uniting Church celebrates 40 years

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia.

The Church came into being on 22 June 1977, after three denominations – Congregational Union in Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia, and the Presbyterian Church of Australia – joined together.