UnitingCare Queensland

Introducing Professor Jorge Fernández del Valle as a Keynote Speaker at the Building Caring Communities International Conference 2025! Jorge Fernández del Valle is Full Professor of Psychosocial Intervention at the University of Oviedo (Spain) and he is the Director of the Child and Family Research Group (Grupo de Investigación en Familia e Infancia-GIFI). His research focuses on programme evaluation in residential and foster care and needs assessments of particular groups, such as unaccompanied migrant young people or children in residential care suffering from mental health problems. This event will bring together a diverse group of practitioners, people with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and advocates who are all committed to promoting evidence-informed practices and improving client outcomes in the child and family sector. Follow this page and visit https://lnkd.in/e94vJn6r for more Keynote Speaker details and to subscribe for updates. Hosted by: Life Without Barriers, Residential Child Care Project, Cornell University, Allambi Care and UnitingCare Queensland #BuildingCaringCommunities2025 #ChildAndFamilySupport #Evaluation

The Christmas spirit is alive and well at The Wesley Hospital with this beautiful nativity scene created by former patient, Liv Hutley. Read more of this special story below.

Many Australians are feeling the weight of rising living costs, impacting not only their finances but also their well-being and family stability. At UnitingCare, we’re here to advocate for support systems that help people regain control of their financial lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with debt, reach out to the National Debt Helpline at ndh.org.au or call 1800 007 007. Financial counsellors offer free, confidential, and independent advice to help individuals manage their debt and reclaim financial stability. Together, we can make a difference in these challenging times.

🌟 Celebrating Disability Action Week with Max’s inspiring story 🌟 Meet Max – a shining example of how inclusive opportunities can transform lives. Max is now a permanent part-time employee at W Brisbane, where his passion for hospitality grows stronger every shift. His journey to this achievement started by completing ProjectSEARCH, a globally recognised year-long internship program for young people with a disability, delivered by UnitingCare. Through ProjectSEARCH, Max discovered his love for the industry and gained the skills, confidence, and independence to thrive in the workplace. From being non-verbal at 7 to thriving in a customer-facing role, Max’s story is a testament to the power of inclusion and support. Everyone deserves the chance to experience the health, economic, and social benefits that work provides, and it's why we're passionate about providing these opportunities through our ProjectSEARCH program - and we encourage other organisations and businesses to do the same. For Max, work is more than a job – it’s about growth, independence, and joy. 🌈 As his mum Megan shares, "We’ve never seen Max sooo happy." 📣 Know a young person with a disability keen to work towards open employment? ProjectSEARCH is currently recruiting in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Hervey Bay! Learn more or register now: https://lnkd.in/dFfHYeTV. Let’s keep championing inclusion and breaking down barriers. Together, we can create more success stories like Max’s. #DisabilityActionWeek #ProjectSEARCH

Opportunity to Join the UnitingCare Board as a Non-Executive Director: UnitingCare Queensland is offering a rewarding opportunity for experienced directors to join its board and make a real impact within a purpose-led organisation. As a non-executive director, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction and governance of UnitingCare’s diverse community, disability, health and aged care services, which include BlueCare, The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Lifeline, and more. We are looking for individuals with strong business acumen, including experience in our sectors, property, strategic execution and innovation. Directors of all backgrounds, ages, and demographics are encouraged to apply, with a particular invitation for current active members of the Uniting Church to consider this important service and stewardship role. UnitingCare operates with over 17,000 employees and 9,000 volunteers, providing health, care, and community services to over 430,000 individuals, families, and communities annually. With a commitment to ethical and sustainable operations, the UnitingCare board plays an integral part in ensuring that the organisation meets its missional imperatives and strategic objectives. For a detailed position description, confidential conversation, or to submit your expression of interest, please contact Vanessa Jolly at [email protected] or apply here: Vacancies - Directors Australia Do not miss this chance to contribute to an organisation that makes a huge impact, fulfilling the promise of life in all its fullness. 

Introducing Brenda Matthews as a Keynote Speaker at the Building Caring Communities International Conference 2025! Brenda is a proud Wiradjuri woman living with her husband, Mark, in Bundjalung country, Queensland. Brenda co-directed the feature documentary The Last Daughter, which was released in Australian cinemas and on Netflix in mid-2023 and on ABC in 2024 to excellent reviews and critical acclaim. The film is based on her beautifully penned book of the same title, and was also released in 2023 to excellent reviews. Brenda's journey from being part of the stolen generation to becoming a Mother, Grandmother, Author, Speaker, Film Director, Storyteller and Co-Founder/Director of Learning Circle Australia is an inspiring testament to the power of healing and reconciliation. Her remarkable story, as eloquently portrayed in her debut book and Netflix documentary feature film, "The Last Daughter," encapsulates heartbreak, love, forgiveness, hope and bringing the Country together. This event will bring together a diverse group of practitioners, people with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and advocates who are all committed to promoting evidence-informed practices and improving client outcomes in the child and family sector. Follow this page and visit https://lnkd.in/e94vJn6r for more Keynote Speaker details and to subscribe for updates. Hosted by: Life Without Barriers, Residential Child Care Project, Cornell University, Allambi Care and UnitingCare Queensland #BuildingCaringCommunities2025 #ChildAndFamilySupport #Storytelling #IndigenousEducation

Introducing Dr Junlei Li as a Keynote Speaker at the Building Caring Communities International Conference 2025! Junlei is the Program Chair of the Human Development and Education and the Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. As a developmental psychologist, his research and practice focus on supporting the helpers – those who serve children and families on the frontlines of education and social services. Studying orphanages, child care, schools, youth programs, he co-develops the “Simple Interactions” approach (www.simpleinteractions.org) to help affirm what ordinary people do extraordinarily well with children in everyday moments. His work is significantly inspired by the pioneering work of Fred Rogers when he served as the Co-Director and Rita M. McGinley Chair for Early Learning and Children’s Media at the Fred Rogers Center. This event will bring together a diverse group of practitioners, people with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and advocates who are all committed to promoting evidence-informed practices and improving client outcomes in the child and family sector. Follow this page and visit https://lnkd.in/e94vJn6r for more Keynote Speaker details and to subscribe for updates. Hosted by: Life Without Barriers, Residential Child Care Project, Cornell University, Allambi Care and UnitingCare Queensland #BuildingCaringCommunities2025 #ChildAndFamilySupport #EarlyChildhood

Introducing Dr Emma Goodall as a Keynote Speaker at the Building Caring Communities International Conference 2025! Emma was the inaugural Director of South Australia’s Office for Autism which sits within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Government of South Australia, delivering a state autism charter and practical outcomes for autistic individuals in South Australia. Now the Director, Strategic Translational Research, Emma is applying research to policy to ensure effective changes are made. Emma has worked extensively in the areas of autism, education, research and public policy and teacher training across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and mainland Europe. This event will bring together a diverse group of practitioners, people with lived experience, researchers, policymakers, and advocates who are all committed to promoting evidence-informed practices and improving client outcomes in the child and family sector. Follow this page and visit https://lnkd.in/e94vJn6r for more Keynote Speaker details and to subscribe for updates. Hosted by: Life Without Barriers, Residential Child Care Project, Cornell University, Allambi Care and UnitingCare Queensland #BuildingCaringCommunities2025 #ChildAndFamilySupport #Autism

At UnitingCare, inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s at the heart of everything we do. Disability Action Week (24 November – 1 December) is a chance to celebrate the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities and reflect on how we can break down barriers to build a truly inclusive community. This year’s focus is on accessible communication. It’s a powerful reminder of how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in connecting, including, and empowering people with diverse communication needs. Let’s start a conversation about accessible communication and the steps we can all take to connect, include, and empower. Visit the Queensland Government’s website to learn more about accessible communication: https://www.qld.gov.au/daw #DisabilityActionWeek #AccessibleCommunication #Inclusion

Today, on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, we stand with all those who have lost someone to suicide—the families, friends, and communities who feel the lasting impact of their loved one’s absence. Suicide touches people from every walk of life, and its effects ripple through workplaces, schools, and entire communities. For those who have experienced this profound loss, today is a day of remembrance, resilience, and shared support. We see you, and we’re here to listen. If you are feeling distressed and would like to talk, please contact Lifeline and speak to one of our Crisis Supporters. You can call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. #SurvivorDay #SuicideLoss #EndTheStigma #GriefSupport #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone