Welcome to the August Integreat Newsletter.
At Integreat Queensand, it’s all about welcoming people to our community. Over the past month, Integreat Queensland has welcomed new staff as well as welcomed new and exciting events throughout central Queensland. As you are aware, ‘Integreat Queensland opens up opportunities for everyone from everywhere to get involved, feel welcome, learn new things, and contribute to a strong, thriving local community’ – and we ask you to welcome those who are new to our community today.
In this month’s newsletter, find out how our Cert III in Individual Support has already created new jobs for our region, how our SisterLife Circle program assisted a young mother in moving forward after domestic violence, and why a little local production focusing on men’s health is hitting the big screens in September.
Enjoy your month everyone.
The Integreat Queensland Team.
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Assisting others to gain independence is Brenda’s passion.
Having a passion for working with and around people, Brenda Spedding began working as a support worker to assist the older generation to live independently. It wasn’t until a couple years into her position as an individual support worker at Simple Solutions, that she was tapped on the shoulder to inspire others.
“I originally came from a hospitality background, so I’ve always been very good with people,” Brenda said.
“However, I wanted to help people more specifically and due to a career change a couple of years ago, I became an individual support worker assisting older people to live independently.
“I was trained through Simple Solutions in community aged care and when I went back to update my first aid certificate with them, they offered me a position to train other people.”
Brenda now trains people to obtain their qualifications in community aged care across the community services sector and is currently delivering Certificate III in Individual Support at Integreat Queensland in Gladstone.
“I really enjoyed working and supporting those in need so it was hard leaving the support worker job, but I found training other people to move into the sector even more rewarding because it allowed me to share my personal experiences and navigate any of the obstacles the trainees may be experiencing,” Brenda said.
“I also found it really rewarding watching the trainees develop and grow in their own confidence and gain the knowledge needed to work in the industry. Most of all however, it has allowed many of the trainees to gain their own independence which has been fantastic to watch.”
Passionate Teacher: Simple Solutions Industry Trainer and Assessor Brenda Spedding.
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Healing Men’s Minds.
Those who feel they need to be strong for others at whatever cost to themselves are most at risk of becoming depressed. And when depression takes a hold, suicidal thoughts may develop. Men often find it embarrassing to talk about how they feel. Especially when they don’t see themselves as being ‘strong enough’. After all, aren’t they supposed to be the ‘strong’ gender?
A national study by not-for-profit the Black Dog Institute has found men are more likely to discuss suicidal thinking with trusted acquaintances like family, friends, or partners rather than health clinicians.
Based in Agnes Waters, the Outback Mind Foundation supports regional men around Queensland to reduce the risk of mental health challenges and acts of domestic violence and help men to overcome isolation with the aim of creating more conscious, connected, emotionally aware communities.
In collaboration with Free Flow Films, the Outback Mind Foundation have created a short film titled, Healing Men’s Minds. Due for release in September, the film concentrates on brave men sharing their stories and to highlight how there is a better way to go through life if they have the tools and support to do so.
For a short preview of Healing Men’s Minds, connect here to view and book your seat at the Gladstone Cinemas on September 1st, connect here now.
Healing Men’s Minds: A film highlighting men sharing their stories.
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Welcoming Kristy Niemand to Integreat Queensland.
Integreat Queensland would like to introduce our new Gladstone program coordinator, Kristy Niemand.
With a background in hospitality, administration, events, and program coordination, Kristy believes her broad range of skills is essential for personal and professional development and said she is excited to take on her next journey.
“I’m excited about bringing my skills and experience to the team to help grow the programs Integreat Queensland provide to the community,” Kristy said.
“Working alongside people and providing my assistance not only brings me happiness but also aligns with my belief in spreading kindness and offering aid, whether within the circle of family, friends, or in the broader community.
“By working together, I believe we can make a bigger impact and ensure our programs are making a positive difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s brainstorming new strategies, helping with logistics, or offering a fresh perspective, I’m here to contribute and collaborate.”
Born and raised in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, Kristy made a life changing decision and moved with her husband and young son to Australia in 2019.
“As of now, we have been living in Gladstone for three and a half years and our affection for our new home and the community around us has only grown stronger,” she said.
“Australia is such a beautiful country. Moreover, the warm and welcoming nature of the people here has made our experience even more wonderful.”
Welcome: Kristy Niemand is our new Gladstone program coordinator at Integreat Queensland.
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Gaining Certificate III in Individual Support creates a bright future for Insun.
For Insun Hitts, getting a job has been a priority for the past few months. When she saw the opportunity to gain her qualifications as a support worker and to achieve a Certificate III in Individual Support with Integreat Queensland, she jumped at the chance.
“I love meeting new people but most of all I love helping people to further their lives,” Insun said.
“I had never thought of working as a support worker but once I investigated the course, I believed it could be a great option to not only work with people, but to find a job that I could be passionate about.”
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home, and Community) is designed to provide training to entry level workers who want to work in residential aged care facilities, community care, disability care, and community-based organisations and hospitals.
Delivered at Integreat Queensland by Simple Solutions, Industry Trainer and Assessor Brenda Spedding said there is a high demand for support workers in both the aging and disability industry.
“The trainees that obtain their certificate will go onto working in residential retirement or in home community care which might involve them having to go into houses to support independent living,” Brenda said.
“It may allow them to go into a house share situation where people are required to have 24hr care. They may assist with general housework and duties or medications, which can enable people to continue on living an independent lifestyle.
“They could also become community support workers which helps people access the community by helping them go shopping, go to the doctor, and or access transport. It basically assists people keep their independence.”
From beginning the course in July, it only took Insun a few weeks to find work. If fact, due to her attentiveness during the training, her skills, and her enthusiasm, she was offered a position as a support worker at Sundale’s Bindaree Lodge in Boyne Island.
“It’s been a fantastic journey but to find work so quickly has been a blessing,” she said. “I would never of dreamed that doing the Certificate III in Induvial Support could instantly turn around and help me to secure work.
“I would recommend the course to anyone that wants to make a difference in the community.”
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Helping a ‘Sister’ rebuild her life of happiness.
Meet Rose, (not her real name) a brave woman from Papua New Guinea who faced domestic violence and made the difficult decision to leave her home with her two young daughters.
Australia offered Rose and her daughters protection and a temporary place to live, granting them a safe haven as they sought help. Overwhelmed by her situation, Rose reached out to Integreat Queensland for further assistance, and here she found support through SisterLife Circle, a community program dedicated to empowering women.
“The SisterLife Circle played a significant role in helping Rose apply for essential documents such as a blue card and driver’s license, as well as supporting her in writing a resume,” Integreat Queensland general manager Charmaine Bennett said.
“The program also provided emotional support, helping Rose through the emotional turmoil she faced. As a result, Rose secured a job, marking a positive step forward in her journey.”
Charmaine said the most heartbreaking part of Rose’s story was that, due to prevailing laws, her daughters had to be returned to their father.
“This setback devasted Rose but with the support of the Integreat Queensland staff and the SisterLife Circle program, she remains determined to reunite with her children and is now saving as much as she can to appeal the custody ruling and provide her daughters with a safe and loving home.
“Through the ongoing support of organisations like Integreat Queensland, RAIL, and the SisterLife Circle program, Rose is gradually building a new life for herself and her daughters and her determination, resilience, and courage, are an inspiration to everyone she encounters.
“Integreat Queensland was able to support Rose through SisterLife Circle, which is part of the ‘Safer Pathways’ program funded by the Australian Government. The program’s dedication to empowering women and providing assistance has made a significant impact in Rose’s life.”
The Safer Pathways for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) women program is designed to provide assistance to women in regional areas who are experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic and family violence, by helping them access the support they need. The Integreat Queensland SisterLife Circle program is run in Gladstone and Rockhampton.
For more information on the SisterLife Circle program, call Integreat Queensland on 4903 1931, email: admin@integreatqld.org.au or visit our website by connecting here now.
Learning to Heal: Intereat Queensland’s SisterLife Circle program assist women in moving forward with their lives.
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Volunteering: A formula for help and happiness.
Volunteering is one of those activities that many of us know we should do.
It’s crucial to the operation of many charities, community groups, and not-for-profits; it can be a lifeline for the most disadvantaged members of our society; and — according to numerous studies — it actually boosts the health, happiness, and life satisfaction levels of the giver, not just the recipient.
So why should we care? There are a couple of important reasons. First, there are not enough paid staff to address all the needs of our community. Second, the well-being of people is positively impacted when they volunteer. In other words, we all win. It’s as simple as that.
What does organisations like Integreat Queensland get? It runs! It can accomplish its mission. It has the people it needs to do the necessary work and provide its services to those who could not otherwise access them.
At Integreat Queensland, the support we receive from volunteers is extremely valuable. Most of all however, we try to ensure that all of our volunteers are contributing in a way that supports their own future development either personally, via work opportunities, or their own goals.
Our goal at Integreat Queensland is to open up opportunities for everyone from everywhere to get involved, feel welcome, learn new things, and contribute to a strong, thriving local community. There are many ways you can help us through volunteering from assisting us with our programs to our events but most importantly, helping us to help you build a great future for everyone.
If you’re interested in volunteering at Integreat Queensland we would love to hear from you. For more information, please phone 4903 1931 or email: admin@integreatqld.org.au
Assisting Others: Volunteering can boost your health, happiness, and life satisfaction levels.
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Multicultural Playgroup not just for children.
Being able to work with children brings new and exciting challenges. While just like any job, there are certainly challenging days, the good ones add so much more meaning and can bring reward to your life, that it outweighs the tough ones in a heartbeat.
For Integreat Queensland Rockhampton Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup Facilitator and Support Worker, Mirjam Kleine, it’s about watching children develop with their discovery and exploration skills.
“I find being around children to be uplifting and energising, especially when invited to view the world through their lens and explore their curiosity with them,” Mirjam said with a smile. “Their abundant creativity, playfulness and innocence can almost feel therapeutic to me.”
Originally from the Netherlands, Mirjam is a qualified Trainer and Assessor in Early Childhood and a Childhood Educator. She has worked with children over the past decade in Australia and lives by the philosophy that “children are more fun than adults.”
“Children are just more open to experiences than adults which is basically the fundamentals of Integreat Queensland’s Litte Steps Multicultural Playgroup,” Mirjam said.
“At the playgroup it’s great to watch the children interact with each other and develop their social skills. Our playgroup specifically doesn’t have too many children which allows us to help the children develop their social skills in relation to each other in preparation for their time in daycare or kindy.
“The playgroup is also good for the mothers because even though they still interact with their children, they also get to interact with each other and not just the children.
“A lot of mothers want to be seen not just as ‘the mother of….’, but also as a woman, somebody’s friend. Someone with needs and wants, and interaction with other mothers makes us all feel like a person, and this is an important aspect of the playgroup as well.”
Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup are held every Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:30am (during school term) at the Berserker Street Community Hub, 28 – 140 Berserker Street, North Rockhampton. It’s free to attend and for children from 0 to 5 years old.
See the children play: Our Rockhampton Multicultural Playgroup. Inset: Integreat Queensland Rockhampton Playgroup Facilitator and Support Worker, Mirjam Kleine.
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Program and Events.
Gladstone
Welcome to the Gladstone region morning tea.
Are you new to the Gladstone Region? Regardless of which city, state or country you have come from, we welcome you to join us for this free event.
Join us for free morning tea and coffee, an offcial welcoming ceremony from Traditional Owners and a welcome from the Gladstone Mayor.
Stallholders will showcase local services valuable to new residents. Fun for the whole family with free children’s activities and on-stage performances.
• When: Saturday, 16th September from 9am to 12pm.
• Where: Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct.
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Multicultural playgroup helps unite central Queensland’s diverse community.
Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup provides a fun and supportive environment for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families with children under school age.
We believe early childhood is the best time to positively impact the future health, wellbeing, and development of a child. Our multicultural playgroup can support your child to build bilingual language skills, learn through play with their peers, and connect parents, grandparents, and carers together so they can share ideas and experiences. The playgroup can also provide a soft entry point for families transitioning into kinder and school.
Integreat Queensland’s Multicultural Playgroup offer parents, carers and grandparents an opportunity to connect with each other, access practical information about health, nutrition and child wellbeing and allow children a space to play and interact with their peers.
• When: Every Tuesday & Friday from 9:30am to 11:30am (during school term)
• Where: Philip Street Families and Communities Precinct – 1 Pengelly St, Gladstone. (Yellow/Nutchee building)
• Free: Everyone with children from 0 to 5 years old are welcome.
To make sure everyone is safe as possible, we will be limiting our numbers to 25 parents (children) so please do register for the day you would like to come. Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroups are held in Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Biloela.
For more information, please contact us via email: littlesteps@integreatqld.org.au or phone 07 4903 1931.
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Looking for employers to support our Cert III in Hospitality students.
Integreat Queensland’s Cert III in Hospitality course is delivered to provide a pathway for our students to work in local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, motels, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops. It provides options for specialisation in areas such as accommodation services, food and beverage and gaming.
The qualification also allows an outcome for small businesses requiring multi-skilled employees. This is an opportunity for local Gladstone hospitality businesses to get involved and support our students for work placement with the goal of them becoming an employee with your business in the future.
If you run a hospitality business and are interested in becoming a host employer, contact Integreat Queensland today to discuss the options available.
For more information, please email contactus@integreat.org.au or call 07 4903 1931.
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Creating a deep, authentic connections amongst women.
Did you know when women feel, think, and encounter the same in their own lives, they no longer see themselves as the “only one” and their personal and professional experiences are normalised.
They can have conversations about their fears and negative experiences in environments that are not only safe, but also supportive because everyone in the room has felt it, thought it, or faced it. Women have that “ah-ha” moment that they are not abnormal, weak, or alone when surrounded by other women.
At Integreat Queensland’s Sisterlife Circle, our goal is to create a deep, authentic connections amongst women to participate in topical discussions and create a place where everyone has the opportunity to discuss a challenge they may be having or a success we can all celebrate.
By being with other women, they can have frank discussions about work-life balance, a common concern for women. Determining how to be a spouse or partner, mom, caregiver and professional are only the initial roles women juggle. Societal expectations to “do it all” put significant pressure on women. It is within the security of our Sisterlife Circle that women can be vulnerable and authentic.
• When: Wednesdays (Fortnightly) @ 10:30am – 12noon
• Where: 1a Manning St, South Gladstone.
If you are interested in joining our Sisterlife Circle, please contact Esther on 4903 1931 or email: contactus@integreatqld.org.au
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Have you attended our Picnic in the Park?
Picnics are a great way to enjoy food with family and friends, but they can also be a beneficial way to boost your mental health. At Integreat Queensland, we believe incorporating picnics into your weekly or monthly plans can help reduce mental fatigue, lower stress levels, and elevate your mood.
One of the first and most obvious benefits of picnics is that they get you outside and away from your computer, phone, and o ther distractions however, we believe people need to connect with others to feel happy and fulfilled because we know having connections with other people and having a social circle of your own are beneficial to your emotional health and well-being.
Held on the first Sunday of every month, our Picnic in the Park get togethers are a great way to meet friends and make new ones in the Gladstone community. This event is about connecting with others and having fun over some food and drinks in a great atmosphere. Integreat Queensland’s Picnic in the Park are social safe gathering with like-minded people so come along to socialise, relax, meet people, create new friendships, and have a good time.
Our next Picnic in the Park is on Sunday, 3 September from 12pm onwards at Spinnaker Park – (Area C – near the swimming beach area). Please look for Integreat QLD signs. This is a free event every month. We will provide sausage sizzle and some games. All ages are welcome. Please BYO picnic food/, chairs, picnic mat etc. We look forward to seeing you there.
To RSVP, please text 0412 868 571 or email contactus@integreatqld.org.au
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Rockhampton
Let’s have a conversation and understand English together.
Have you ever wished you had an ability to talk to strangers and have them instantly warm up to you? Think about the people you know who seem to bring out the best in you whenever you talk to them: You feel comfortable talking to them and could go on talking forever. They could be old friends or someone you just met, but the conversation just seems to flow smoothly and naturally.
For people where English is there second language, having a conversation isn’t that easy. For many people problems arise when English is a second language to either speakers, listeners, or both. No matter how proficient they are, their own understanding of English, and their first (or “native”) language can change what they believe is being said.
Integreat Queensland’s online Let’s Talk Conversational English classes provide a safe and comfortable setting where those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, can improve, and gain confidence in their spoken English. We cover practical themes like ‘visiting the doctor’ and ‘going grocery shopping’ to help empower participants in their everyday lives.
The classes are in an informal setting to encourage connection and confidence in communicating, making new friends, and learning new things.
• When: Friday afternoons from 1pm to 2.30pm.
• Where: 223 Campbell St, Rockhampton.
For more information, please phone: 4900 1617 or email: contactus@integreatqld.org.au
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Multicultural playgroup helps unite central Queensland’s diverse community.
Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup provides a fun and supportive environment for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families with children under school age.
We believe early childhood is the best time to positively impact the future health, wellbeing, and development of a child. Our multicultural playgroup can support your child to build bilingual language skills, learn through play with their peers, and connect parents, grandparents, and carers together so they can share ideas and experiences. The playgroup can also provide a soft entry point for families transitioning into kinder and school.
Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup offer parents, carers, and grandparents an opportunity to connect with each other, access practical information about health, nutrition and child wellbeing and allow children a space to play and interact with their peers.• When: Every Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:30am (during school term).
• Where: Berserker Street Community Hub, 28 – 140 Berserker Street, North Rockhampton (Entrance – corner of Charles and Berserker St).
• Free: Everyone with children from 0 to 5 years old are welcome.
Integreat Queensland’s Little Steps Multicultural Playgroups are held in Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Biloela.
This program is an initiative delivered by Integreat Queensland Inc. in partnership with Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner. Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by The Smith Family.
To register and for more info, please contact us by email: contactus@integreatqld.org.au or phone 4900 1617
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Creating a deep, authentic connections amongst women.
Did you know when women feel, think, and encounter the same in their own lives, they no longer see themselves as the “only one” and their personal and professional experiences are normalised.
They can have conversations about their fears and negative experiences in environments that are not only safe, but also supportive because everyone in the room has felt it, thought it, or faced it. Women have that “ah-ha” moment that they are not abnormal, weak, or alone when surrounded by other women.
At Integreat Queensland’s Sisterlife Circle, our goal is to create a deep, authentic connections amongst women to participate in topical discussions and create a place where everyone has the opportunity to discuss a challenge they may be having or a success we can all celebrate.
By being with other women, they can have frank discussions about work-life balance, a common concern for women. Determining how to be a spouse or partner, mom, caregiver and professional are only the initial roles women juggle. Societal expectations to “do it all” put significant pressure on women. It is within the security of our Sisterlife Circle that women can be vulnerable and authentic.
• When: Held fortnightly on Thursdays from 1pm-2:30pm.
• Where: 223 Campbell St, Rockhampton 4700.
To register and for more info, please contact us by email: contactus@integreatqld.org.au or phone 4900 1617
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