Michael Williams
Foundations Care Cultural Consultant
Michael, a long-term resident of Brisbane from the 1960s, is a senior Aboriginal (Goorang Goorang, Warlmanpa, Yunkantjara, Pitjantjara, Eastern Aranda and Central Aranda) man who has had a long career in Indigenous affairs and education as Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies at the University of Queensland. As a consultant, he has undertaken work for the Queensland and Australian Governments, and numerous not-for-profit and academic institutions. He actively provides mentorship and guidance to individuals at corporate and private levels. Michael has held positions on senior boards, among them the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) as a Council Member (elected from the membership) and the Council of the University of the Sunshine Coast, where he also chaired the Indigenous Advisory Committee to the Vice-Chancellor.
Michael was introduced to Australian Biome in mid-2021 and has been involved in many discussions across the broad range of Biome projects and initiatives. His lifetime career and experience will bring further exciting ideas to Australian Biome. He is delighted to be formally brought into the leadership team because he sees the great potential, that Biome has, to have a genuine impact on the lives of all of the Australian community especially to the remote and First Nations sector.
We are humbled that Michael is offering his services to Foundations Care.
Sophia Tahau
Carer Engagement Leader
“It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that means that an entire community must provide for and interact positively with children for those to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. It was certainly how I was raised in a small town in New Zealand with my grandparents and parents and have carried this through to my own son and now my 5 beautiful grandchildren!
As the National Carer Engagement Leader at Foundations Care, my thoughts go to the theme of Children’s Week 22-30 October.
Each year the theme of Children’s Week highlights a particular Children’s Right.
The theme for 2022 is based on Article 27: You have the right to food, clothing, a safe place to live and to have your basic needs met. You should not be disadvantaged so that you can’t do many of the things other kids can do.
With the unfortunate statistics highlighting the desperate need to find suitable foster and kinship carers in our community to open their homes and hearts to these children in need, I wish to extend a personal invitation to reach out to me or my team. If you know someone who would like more information or just have a chat about becoming a carer, please reach out.
I also want to hear from YOU, the experts. I would like to find out how we can better support our carers. Contact me on 0456 459 654 or stahau@fdc.csg.ngo
The Children’s Week National Theme for 2022 is based on United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child; Article 27:
‘All Children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development.’
Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.
Thousands of children and their families around the country are involved in activities and events during “The Week” through the participation of schools, playgroups, childcare, kindergartens, cultural groups, libraries, departments and community groups.
A diverse range of events and activities are organised at National, State and Local levels. These focus the attention of the wider community on children, their needs and achievements.
Foundations Care is fortunate to have the most amazing carers, people who really care and are passionate about the children and young people in their care. Add to that a passionate case worker and stories like this happen.
We have beautiful single mum of one who is also caring for a young bub in out-of-home care in Western Australia.
Two weekends ago started like any other with this beautiful carer pottering around the house doing chores while foster bub napped. On her way outside to hang out some laundry, the carer checked in on her little sleeping foster bub but found him unresponsive and not breathing.
Thankfully, being a nurse professionally she knew exactly what to do. She begun infant CPR and called an ambulance and saved this bubs life.
Thankfully, it is all good news for bub. He was flown to Perth from Broome for more tests but has recovered fully.
This story highlights the importance of a healthy carer/caseworker relationship. It also shows why CPR training is important for any parent – not just carers.
EAP Service
An Employee Assistance Program is a counselling service provided to staff to support their emotional & psychological well-being both in the workplace & in their personal lives. It provides employees with confidential phone counselling & digital support throughout Australia. The aim of EAP counselling is to resolve both work & personal problems before they impact adversely on work performance & general well-being.
No information regarding what is discussed within a counselling session is released to any third party or organisation without prior consent. Foundations Care is extending the offer of EAP services to our carers. To discuss connecting with EAP services, please contact your caseworker.
ON CALL DETAILS:
For all emergencies outside normal business hours:
South West Queensland: 0488 026 301 South East Queensland: 0439 599 923 Rockhampton Region: 0457 408 956 Gladstone Region: 0419 466 548 Bundaberg Region: 0457 409 541 Western Australia Region: 0472 844 870
Training and Resources:
