Child designs logo for ac.care support service for Aboriginal youths in the Riverland
A RIVERLAND child has contributed to creation of a new logo for an ac.care support service for Aboriginal youths in the region.
The STAY (Service To Aboriginal Youth) program provides opportunities for young people aged 12 to 18.
Participants recently contributed entries in a competition to create the program’s new logo, with 12-year-old Jocelyn Garbutt welcoming the creative outlet.
Her drawing was selected as the winner and converted into a striking logo by ac.care staff member Sally Smith.
Jocelyn said she was “happy and excited” when told she had lodged the winning entry for the competition.
“I was really proud of myself,” she said, explaining she was inspired by the colours of the Aboriginal flag and “being an Aboriginal person”.
Jocelyn said she was proud of the final result when her colourful piece was converted into a logo for reuse on brochures and other materials.
The STAY program involves youths working individually and in groups with ac.care staff to strengthen cultural identity and sense of self, work towards goals and learn health and wellbeing life skills.
Clients are also supported with case management and advocacy to ensure their needs are met through existing services.
ac.care also delivers the HIPPY and Opening Doors initiatives as part of its Aboriginal services program.
HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) is a two-year, home-based, early learning and parenting program to help Riverland and Murray Bridge families prepare young children to achieve at school.
The Opening Doors program is for Aboriginal people aged 15 to 25 living in the Riverland in need of support.
Opening Doors provides support with health care management, motivation, behaviour, communication, self-esteem, daily living skills and community activities.
The program also focuses on nurturing family and personal relationships and social networks, along with support to undertake educational and vocational activities.
ac.care also operates the Minya Porlar Crèche in Murray Bridge, which models best-practice in Aboriginal specific childcare, including opportunities for children to experience local language, a nutrition program, natural play environments, links with other community based programs and connection to broader family networks, including visits by elders.
The crèche is provided in partnership with the Department for Education.
Call ac.care on 1300 AC CARE (1300 222 273) for more information about the agency’s services.