Karitane Volunteer Programs - Linking Families 5 year celebration

Karitane gratefully thanks St Johns Park Bowling Club for sponsoring the celebration five years of participation in the NSW Government Families First Volunteer Home Visiting program (Karitane Linking Families) on Wednesday 21st of June 2006 by donating the wonderfully decorated venue and the fantastic food. Thank you also to Aspen Pharmacare who donated a gift voucher to the 14 volunteers who had worked with KVP for 5 years or more in recognition of the achievement. The celebration included an overview of the CHETRE research findings.

It was an exciting day to acknowledge this hard working group of professionals and volunteers who are increasingly asked to deliver a diversifying service provision. The day included speeches by The Honourable Reba Meagher and Nick Lalich, Mayor Fairfield City Council. The audience were entertained by the Koori Children's dance group, Assyrian Dancers and Vietnamese Children's Song Group launching their nursery Rhyme CD.
Rotary Club of Liverpool Greenway

In 2005 Rotary Club of Liverpool Greenway supported Karitane Liverpool Family Care Centre (LFCC) with the generous donation of a vehicle, petrol voucher, laptop and mobile phone to support outreach services for the centre. This has allowed the Child and Family Nurse and Allied Health team increased time to home visit families who cannot access the help and support.
Many families do not have access to transport and are isolated at home with their infant and/or toddler. Isolation and inadequate knowledge in parenting can lead to such issues as depression and child abuse.
In the 12 months prior to the rotary donation, LFCC received approximately 416 referrals for parentcraft issues and 75 referrals for counselling anxiety and depression. There was often a 3-4 week waiting list for Home Visits for both Nursing and Allied Health, as there is only one work vehicle. Staff facilitating community groups also requires the use of a car.

Corporate sponsorship
Karitane gratefully thanks the following companies for their sponsorship of the information brochures for both parents and health professionals. This has allowed valuable formation to be distributed free of charge to assist in the raising of infants and toddlers.

Child and Family Health Nurse of the Year
Karitane gratefully thanks The Liverpool Catholic Club, Bayer Health Care Australia and the Rotary Club of Liverpool West Inc. for their donation toward the Sydney South West Area Health Service (Western Zone) inaugural Child and Family Health Nurses Awards. The Child and Family Health Nurses in 2006 Awards were held at the Liverpool Catholic Club on Wednesday 10th May 2006. Karitane supported the event by coordinating the process on behalf of the Nurses.