Coca-Cola Australia Foundation
2006 Community Grant Recipients (Round 2)

Learning for Life, Student Scholarships at Shepparton – The Smith Family

‘Learning for Life’ is a scholarship program that benefits disadvantaged primary school students in the Doveton area. Funding is used for education, which acts more effectively than welfare support payments. ‘Learning for Life’ is an original program, which contributes to community renewal as well as breaking the ‘cycle of disadvantage’. The Doveton area is in need of immediate assistance. Unemployment is high and there are disturbing rates of child neglect. Furthermore, family resources are limited which places greater stress on local education and institutions. The ‘Learning for Life’ program that currently exists in Shepparton has proved to be beneficial. However, an extra thirty student scholarships are needed, which our funding will pay for. Scholarship students will receive the financial, educational and personal support that is essential in granting them the confidence to achieve their goals and breaking the ‘cycle of disadvantage’. The program is also tailored to the needs of individuals and contributes to The Smith Family’s objective through working with students and their families.


The Coca-Cola Theatre Bus – Queensland Theatre Company

The Coca-Cola Theatre Bus is designed to benefit over twenty-five economically and geographically disadvantaged school students in the south-east Queensland region. Transportation to the Queensland Theatre Company will provide disadvantaged students with the same educational opportunities as those that live in Brisbane. At the theatre, students will experience professional productions followed by workshops which involve the students and actors working together, addressing the key areas of text and performance relevant to the Drama Queensland Syllabus. The Queensland Theatre Company also aims to subsidise productions and workshops to benefit youth from regional or disadvantaged areas. The company will be the first to implement this type of theatre experience that involves both performances and workshops focused specifically on the Drama Queensland Syllabus. The travel subsidy program will be managed by Queensland Theatre Company’s dedicated Education Liaison Officer who will promote the program to the relevant drama teachers, asses the applications and book and coordinate all travel to the theatre. Furthermore, the program will develop young artists, reflect the needs of the education sector and inspire young people to connect with theatre.

Racing to the Top – PCYC Wolloomooloo

This project involves the construction of a small remote control race car, which takes place over fourteen weeks at the Woolloomooloo Police and Community Youth Club. The program is designed for ten local indigenous youth and is aimed at instilling discipline, knowledge and skill through the construction of a motorised object. ‘Racing to the Top’ will also highlight the importance of group interaction and respect towards an authority figures. This same program, run in previous years demonstrated improved behaviour and a notable increase in confidence and self worth, on behalf of participants. The program also addresses truancy issues and crime rates as well as encouraging respect towards others. The process will provide a sense of pride among participants as well as a positive environment for building friendships. ‘Racing to the Top’ was inspired by it’s instructor who attempted to teach mechanical elements and principles of the two stroke engine to school students, using traditional TAFE guidelines, but was unsuccessful. Hence a program which teaches the same principles, through the more enjoyable activity of building a remote controlled car was developed. At the completion of the program, students will see what can be achieved by following a set structure and path, to a final outcome.  

   
Head High- Young People Living Beyond Suicide – Najidah Association

‘Head High- Young People Living Beyond Suicide’ was launched in August 2003 following a community event featuring Dr. Judith Murray from the University of Queensland Loss and Grief Unit. The program currently facilitates a care and support group for Sunshine Coast youth who have lost a loved one, friend or work colleague through suicide. Funding from us will be used to develop a program manual, based on learning’s of the support group, as well as www.headhigh.org.au which will be enhanced to provide a virtual community for disadvantaged youth across the nation. Further funding from other bodies will also provide training and education to community organisations regarding the prevention of youth suicide.

Head High groups and supports have the capacity to break cycles of contagion amongst young people. The founders of the group are three young people, all siblings, who lost a parent to suicide. These young people found it difficult to communicate their feelings, which led them to seek other young people with who they shared the common tragedy of bereavement through suicide. Head High was formed when it became apparent that no such groups existed. Head High is the winner of the ‘Suicide Prevention Australia’ National Life Award for the ‘Most Outstanding Youth Suicide Prevention Activity- 2006’.

Kids Plus Therapy Program 2007 – Kids Plus Foundation

The Kids Plus Therapy Program is aimed at increasing accessibility to specialist intensive paediatric therapy programs for children (0-18 years old) with physical neuro developmental disabilities in order to increase the participation of these children in daily life. Intensive paediatric therapy works with the child’s physical limitations to maximise the child’s functional ability to improve coordination, communication and other skills. The majority of children in the therapy program have high level complex cerebral palsy. However, disabilities range from oral motor control issues such as saliva control to higher level balance skills such as required in team ball games. The Kids Plus Therapy Program is a therapy model that was developed in 1997. The therapy combines physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology as Nero-Developmental / Bobath Therapy. The child, their family and therapists set measurable goals for each program. The program achieves visual outcomes, on the child’s behalf. From learning to sit, crawl, walk, sit to stand, step up to the toilet, drink from a cup, etc. Existing government funded disability services provide irregular (twice a term) general management therapy services and usually have long waiting lists. Kids Plus Foundation receives no government funding and is a parent driven community organisation, supported by therapists, paediatricians, other professionals and businesses in our community.

Wildlife Precinct and Youth Training Project – Fraser Coast Training Employment Support Service (TESS)

The Fraser Coast TESS was originally established in 1983 (as CYSS) with the objective of assisting young people of Maryborough working through their barriers and gain employment. This project establishes an interpretive wildlife park on the outskirts of Maryborough. The project will train 10-15 at-risk young people in the establishment of a wildlife park and will teach them how to care for wildlife. The project objectives include: assisting young people in realising their potential; capturing the interest of at-risk youth by providing a program based on the care of animals; creating a training program that broadens their outlook, teaches them to care for wildlife and acts as a pre-cursor to further education and training; creating a interpretive wildlife park that is available to the whole community. It will re-engage the young people with their families, the education system, employment and the community.


Early, intensive intervention and parent education for young children with Autism – Flinders University

The Early Intervention Research Program (EIRP) at Flinders University provides early intervention for young children with autism and their families over a 5 month period. Since 2003, the program has provided intervention for 140 children and families. Neurodevelopmental theory asserts that by targeting children at such a young age (from 18 months), the brain is still malleable and therefore highly responsive to intensive teaching. It is believed that the teaching of children at this young age will result in the ‘re-wiring’ of the brain, creating permanent neurological changes and significantly reducing autistic behaviour. The EIRP is a free program that provides a service that would not otherwise be available to families with children with autism in South Australia.

Sunnydays Project – Cromehurst Foundation

The Sunnydays Project is a weekly activity program for teenagers with intellectual and physical disabilities attending Cromehurst Special School. The objective is to foster the development of social and living skills in teenagers with an intellectual disability, while providing an opportunity to socialise with their peers. It will also include a program for graduating students. Sunnydays will provide a bridge for students graduating from school to work, who are allowed to attend the program for one year post-graduation. The program will also focus on preparing those students to be able to continue to organise activities amongst themselves once their final year of participation in the program is completed. It is anticipated that 20 students will participate in 2007. The project aims to achieve improved skill levels in the participants in understanding what activities are available to them to access with their friends, how to organise those activities together, how to use public transport, and increased communication skills.

ALIV Kids Program – Australian League of Immigration Volunteers

The ALIV Kids Program is provided for disadvantaged asylum seeker youth released from Immigration Detention Centres and now living in community detention or on Bridging Visa E. The program aims to provide young people with much-needed recreational activities such as sailing, swimming, rock-climbing, horse-riding, cultural shows, and entertainment. The activities will allow the young people to interact with each other away from the stress and pressures which surround their everyday lives as a result of their uncertain immigration status. The activities are designed to assist the young people’s development, including communication skills, self esteem and self confidence and also give them the opportunity to have fun. The program targets children over the age of eight. The program also has a direct impact on the parents of the young people involved. It reduces their stress and enhances family harmony and the relationships they have with their children. It also has a positive impact on the wider community by getting young asylum seekers involved in the community where they live. It promotes tolerance and advocates non-discrimination.

Activities Outreach Program – The Wayside Chapel

This project will use non-traditional teaching methods to assist in the education and personal development of disadvantaged youth in the Kings Cross area. People with mental illnesses and from disadvantaged backgrounds often have difficulty expressing themselves through normal modes of communication and this project will set up a number of classes to address this. The project’s aims include: providing a range of activities that act as an alternative to traditional counselling and act as a form of therapy; build self-esteem and improve interpersonal skills thereby reducing loneliness and isolation; reduction of crime, noise and tension levels in the inner-city; reduction of number of homeless people by transferring skills required to re-enter society. The activities proposed include art, cooking, ceramic and literacy classes. The project is recommended by two Coke System employees who are already involved in and support the work of The Wayside Chapel.

Coca-Cola Australia Foundation
2006 Community Grant Recipients (Round 1)

Wuchopperen Health Service Limited
Program: 4 programs (Listen Now; Job Interviews; Boys to Men; Hairdressing Course)

Overview: Listen Now – Black Chicks Talking: a 2 day presentation for Indigenous females aged 15 to 17 years, with the objective of increasing the rate of retention in secondary schools
Job Interviews: simulated job interviews
Boys to Men: dealing with anger management and goal setting
Hairdressing course: to provide an understanding of hairdressing as a career option


Sydney Children’s Hospital (Randwick)
Program: NSW Family Handbook – Cord and Bone Marrow Transplant

Overview: The publishing and distribution of a paediatric BMT handbook for NSW families. It will provide current and all inclusive information in hardcopy and a web-based format. There is currently no such handbook and will meet the needs of paediatric children and parents undergoing Bone Marrow transplants for up to 45 years. CCA staff member initiative.


Wakathuni Aboriginal Corporation
Program: Making Movies from Waka: Keeping the Land and Spirit Alive

Overview: Aims to produce films that record Aboriginal culture, lifestyle, history and the development of the community. Develops the necessary skills as film makers as part of a general effort to bring confidence and pride to the culture of some very disadvantaged young people. Engages these young people with their community.


Liverpool Parish School
Program: Koala Kev’s Movement in the Classroom

Overview: An early intervention program for children with problematic motor skills which will be taught in the classroom setting. Targets children in Kindergarten and Year 1 who display a low level of mobility. Approximately 250 kids will benefit.


Rugby Youth Foundation
Program: Rugby in the Park – Airds

Overview: Provides a sport and life skills program to kids in the 8-21 age group who reside in low-income communities. Programs include role models and mentors, after school programs, rugby playing skills, tournaments, first aid & administration.


Youth Off the Streets
Program: Self-Discovery Camp

Overview: The camp address identity and self-respect issues through the arts, ie.
Song, dance, visual arts. It targets 13-18 year olds who may be homeless or suffering
drug addiction. It will raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues, human rights issues,
health-related programs and promote cultural tolerance.


Mission Australia
Program: Zero to Ten

Overview: Will link in with Darwin Youth Beat and be run by a part time youth
worker who will use motivational training to encourage young people to explore the  concept of self-esteem. Workshops will provide education on alcohol and other drugs, mental health, the arts, health and well being, driver education and life skills. Targets young indigenous people in Darwin and Palmerston who experience multiple barriers in society. 50 young people will benefit directly.


Sports Challenge Australia
Program: Build and Expand Healthy Behaviours in ‘at-risk’ WA Youth

Overview: The program aims to improve self-esteem, promote life-skills, leaderships skills in at-risk young people in order to re-engage with their peers, their school, community and families. Endorsed by CCA staff member in WA.


RSPCA QLD
Program: Humane Education

Overview: An education mobile unit which addresses the link between human violence, childhood and animal abuse. Children are assisted in developing compassion, a sense of justice and respect. Targets Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal Youth communities. Plans to deliver lessons to 180 children each day.


Nordoff-Robins Music Therapy
Program: Music Therapy for Disadvantaged Youth

Overview: Provides music therapy for youth who are not experiencing positive outcomes educationally or socially. Provides young people with an avenue for self-expression, development and change in a supportive environment. Demonstrated success in improving attention, listening skills, positive behaviours and attitudes.

Coca-Cola Australia Foundation
2005 Community Grant Recipients

Alkira centre, Box Hill Inc. Victoria

Respite Appeal ‘A rest for Mum and an adventure for me”

Alkira’s Perkins House is a four bedroom respite and crisis accommodation house for people with intellectual disabilities. It is a service that is particularly important to young people in their late teens to mid-20’s who want the opportunity to experience living independently from their parents. The project not only benefits the youth, but also their carers in the form of support. The estimate of the cost of providing seven days respite to one person is at least $1,000.

Website: www.ourcommunity.com.au/alkira

The Bone Marrow Donor Institute, Victoria

The Bone Marrow Donor Institute is dedicated to saving the lives of patients with leukaemia and other life-threatening illnesses through care, support, treatment and research.  Children with leukaemia and other life threatening cancers often miss out on the everyday things in life that many healthy children take for granted. Things like a continued education, playing with your friends and sports activities. The Back On Track program helps children stay connected with their school and friends and provides specific education support during long periods of absence due to their treatment.

Website: www.bmdi.org.au

CHI.L.D. Association, Queensland
Communicating Through Technology      

The aim of this project is to improve the access of young people with primary and severe speech language disorders and to offer opportunities for learning, socialising and developing workplace skills using technology. The program enables students to engage in practical and functional activities.
Through the program, the students’ motivation is enhanced and skills learnt which can be transferred to the workplace and incorporated into their daily living, with the ultimate gain in strengthened emotional resilience and positive self esteem.

Website: www.childassoc.com

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s Cleft Palate Clinic, New South Wales
Cleft Feeding Package 

This is a health initiative which will provide assistance, education and support to parents, caregivers and newborn infants with cleft defects by supplying detailed guidance and step by step instruction via audio and visual mechanisms. The Cleft Palate Dept will have the DVD delivered to all Maternity Centres in NSW which will include an information booklet with contacts and guidelines.

Website: www.chw.edu.au/prof/services/cleft

Cromehurst Foundation Incorporated – Sunnydays, New South Wales

The Sunnydays Project is an activity program for teenagers with intellectual and physical disabilities attending Cromehurst Special School. The primary objective of the Sunnydays project is to foster the development of social and living skills in teenagers with an intellectual disability, while providing an opportunity to socialise with their peers, with appropriate supervision. It will also help develop skills in these young people to allow them to organise social interaction with friends which they can access independently or with a minimum of supervision.

Cystic Fibrosis SA Inc. - SMS - Short Mentoring Service, South Australia

SMS aims at providing a text message service for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) sufferers between the ages of 13-18. The text messages will include various treatment tips and suggestions for alternatives, as well as provide information about latest ideas, news and research and information about upcoming CF activities. There will also be messages of encouragement sent to the 81 sufferers within the aimed age bracket.

Website: www.cysticfibrosis.org.au 

Down Syndrome New South Wales
Protective Behaviours Program for Young Adults with Down Syndrome  
  
Down Syndrome NSW will develop and present group and individual education programs about personal safety and protective behaviours for young people with Down Syndrome. This will teach people with Down Syndrome how they can access the skills and knowledge needed to make informed, safe, positive choices about how they live their lives.

Website: www.dsansw.org.au 

Is theatre ltd. - Theatrecise Pilot, Tasmania

is theatre ltd, a leading Australian theatre for young people based in Hobart, presents the Theatrecise program. The program will bring sports psychologist together with leading performing artists from physical theatre disciplines to design and run a program for youth in three disadvantaged areas surrounding Hobart, Tasmania. The program is targeted at youth aged between 12-16 who are disengaged from physical activity or have poor self-image.

Website: www.istheatre.com

Lifestart - Learning By Video - a tool for Autistic Children, New South Wales

The Learning By Video project is designed for Autistic children and their parents as a learning tool. The idea is that a range of educational DVD’s are produced to model the correct sequence of steps for successful interactions during play, socialisation and self-care activities. The project will also deliver a set of re-usable video equipment for ongoing video production and parent learning.

Website: www.lifestart.org.au

Lifestart - Lifestart Early Intervention Program, New South Wales

Lifestart seeks to provide Early Intervention to children with intellectual disabilities and their families. Early Intervention is about providing education and therapy programs for children in the vital years before school. They currently provide services to approximately 300 families in the Sydney Metropolitan region with 30 in the Hornsby Area. They rely on fundraising to keep maintain an intensive service.
Website:  www.lifestart.org.au

Mainstreet Theatre Company - Car Stories, South Australia

Mainstreet Theatre Company wants to examine, highlight and open discussion with the youth and community of Mt Gambier about the lacking opportunities youth have in that area. They aim to do this by incorporating a three-stage program of workshops (acting, writing, design and graphic arts), Performance/Installation (within theatre) and Exhibition.

Website: www.mainstreettheatre.org.au

Orana Youth Shelter – Digital Video Camera, Queensland

Orana Youth Shelter is a short term (up to 3 months) supported residential program for up to six 14-18 year olds, accommodating and helping anywhere up to 215 young people in an average year.  The aim of the project is to purchase a digital video camera for use at Orana to enhance the capacity of homeless young people to have a permanent keepsake of memorable events throughout their stay. Many young people have no past tangible memories of their lives which help them gain an understanding of their own identity and sense of belonging. At the same time these young people will be taught invaluable skills in multi-media usage of a digital video camera.
Website: www.qb.com.au/baptistcare

Peer Support Foundation, Victoria
Connecting Kids – Supportive Friends Program
     
The Peer Support Foundation Victoria (PSF) delivers holistic, preventative programs in schools which foster the physical, mental and social well-being of young people and their communities.  The Supportive Friends Program is based on current research which indicates young people with personal concerns, worry, stress or depression are more likely to tell their friends rather than adults. Building on this research, the program trains selected students to know what to do and how to act when a peer confides in them. Funding will enable PSF to offer this program to 10 country schools at a subsidised rate.

Website: www.connectingkids.org.au

Rosemount Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services - Study Support Centre, New South Wales

This is a study support group targeting young people who have experienced major difficulties in completing formal education due to anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, drug and alcohol issues and family breakdown. The group will encourage young people to complete a basic education required in order to go into further study or work. This will be achieved through individual tutoring and mentoring, according to each young person’s needs.

Website: www.rosemount.cathcomm.org/rosemount

Sir David Martin Foundation - Wilderness Based Canoe Camps, New South Wales

The Wilderness Based Canoe Camps is a part of the Triple Care Farm project for disadvantaged and troubled youth aged 16-24. The plan is to take 20 selected troubled youth on a canoe/camping weekend to allow them to gain vocational, educational and recreational skills that will assist them in future life. The program offers a holistic approach to teen problems.

Website: www.sdmf.org.au 

The Smith Family - Gold Coast Homework Club, Queensland

The Homework Clubs aim to improve student performance at school by bridging the gap between learning at school and learning at home and developing positive attitudes and the necessary skills and self-esteem required. Homework Clubs are a program enhancement within The Smith Family’s Learning for Life initiative that supports students from financially disadvantaged families.
Website: www.smithfamily.com.au 

SMS Australia - Respite Camp for Children, New South Wales

Parents of children with Smith Magenis Syndrome (SMS) have formed a not-for-profit group that aims at being able to provide these children and their families with a respite camp. Professional carers are organised for the children so as the parents can relax knowing that their child is in safe hands. A visit from Professor Ann Smith, who co-founded SMS, has been organised so that the children and parents can ask any questions they need. Professor Smith, accompanied by her research team, will be traveling from America to take part at the respite camp.  For more information on SMS, please visit the Parents and Research Interested in SMS (PRISMS) website at www.smithmagenis.org. 

Website: www.smithmagenis.org 

Technical Aid to the Disabled - Reaching Out, New South Wales

TAD provides computers, training and helpdesk services to children with disabilities in rural areas of NSW. These children are from families who are experiencing financial difficulties. The Reaching Out project requires TAD to obtain, recondition, modify, program and install the computers. This project allows the children to keep pace with regular schoolwork, enhance and develop self esteem and will relieve carers from stress.

Website: www.technicalaidnsw.org.au

World Vision Australia - Armadale Youth Project: Holiday Programs

The project has three specific aims - to provide recreational, educational and cultural opportunities not otherwise available to disadvantaged young Aboriginal people in the Armadale (WA) area. Also, to provide opportunities for community leaders to develop programs for youth, so that they are supported in their efforts to take charge and address community issues. Thirdly, to encourage parents to take part in community activities by encouraging parental involvement into youth activities.

Website: www.worldvision.com.au/getinvolved/indigenouspartnerships/armadale/index.asp


Youth Off The Streets - Schools Out!, New South Wales

This project targets disadvantaged young people aged between 12 and 18 during the school holidays by ensuring continuity of care and contact with disadvantaged young people from select special schools. Creating fun and educational outings for these people during school holidays prevents them from relapsing into cycles of anti-social behaviours such as crime, vandalism and drug use.

Website: www.youthoffthestreets.com.au