With a strong ethos of locals supporting locals, our volunteers contribute significantly to our mission.
192 |
| active volunteers |
31,321 |
| hours contributed |
volunteers range in age from 14-year-old Abigail at Goods at Gertrude to 90-year-old Barbara, reflecting the diverse spirit of our community.
| their efforts equate to a financial contribution of |
$996,011 |
| to our organisation. |
11.4% |
| of volunteers identify as having a disability, illness, or injury |
3.1% |
| identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. |
Making up 37.2% of our workforce, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, enhancing our ability to support those in need. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers for your incredible commitment and support!
Provides free and low-cost groceries, serving 5,520 customers and distributing 17,100 items in 2023-24.
Offers affordable, nutritious meals, serving 2,500 two-course meals this year.
Supports local projects with accessible tools for community use.
Promotes sustainable living with affordable second-hand clothing.
Volunteers serve low-cost barista drinks and snacks weekly, with 1,315 items served.
A fitness program enhancing physical health, especially for Novita clients.
The day was filled with vibrant activities, including a captivating guest talk by Nornie Bero, who shared her expertise in using Torres Strait Islander ingredients in her renowned restaurants.
The event also featured Indian garment and henna demonstrations, diversity quizzes, the energetic beats of African drums, and caricature artists who captured the spirit of the day.
This event provided an opportunity for staff to connect, be recognised for their hard work, and learn and grow in a fun, inclusive environment. Feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the chance to engage with colleagues they don’t often see. A huge congratulations to the All Staff Day Committee for organising yet another fantastic day!
Two live sessions were hosted by Harry Randhawa and Chris Kennett, utilising an interactive and conversational style that encouraged staff to ask questions and engage directly. The sessions explored key topics such as White Ribbon and the Rainbow community, providing valuable insights and breaking down barriers through candid discussions.
We extend our gratitude to Jayson Tarawhiti, National Manager of White Ribbon Australia, and Lysha Brinsley for their participation in this series. Their contributions were instrumental in creating a space where staff felt comfortable to explore and learn about these critical issues.
This informal and innovative approach allowed us to gain meaningful perspectives and foster greater awareness among our staff, reinforcing our commitment to continuous education and inclusive practices within our organisation.
These goals reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to creating positive impacts across our organisation and the communities we serve.
Goal 1 – ‘Our Clients’:
Putting client wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
Achievement: 
Goal 2 – ‘Our People’:
Developing and supporting a multi-skilled workforce to thrive.
Achievement:
Goal 3 – ‘Our Communities’:
Building strong engagement and connections with our communities.
Achievement: 
Goal 4 – ‘Our Future’:
Driving sustainable growth through evidence and innovation.
Achievement: 
Goal 5 – ‘Our Assets’:
Creating housing solutions that enhance a sense of belonging.
Achievement:
239 | 4,507 |
| clients assisted | sessions conducted |
306 |
| clients supported |
$1,525,794 |
| total assistance distributed |
Hear insights and quotes from our Domestic and Family Violence team below
Excellence in the Delivery of Services (Not for Profit or Government Agency) 2022/23
Awarded to Uniting Country SA by Awcon, this award underscores how our services make a real difference for vulnerable individuals and families.
Employee of the Year 2022/23 (25+ years)
Awarded to Roz Hartley for her 25 years of dedicated service, highlighting how her efforts positively impact the lives of those we support. These awards reflect our team’s hard work and its direct, positive impact on the community, fostering support and change for those in need.
Children’s Awards
We proudly nominated Madeline Serena Little from Ignite Cheer and Dance, who received a South Australian Children’s Week Award for her contributions to children in Port Augusta. Roz from our Communities for Children program joined Governor Frances Adamson and other award recipients, including Inclusive Basketball and the Port Augusta City Council Arid Lands Children’s Garden, to celebrate their efforts in making a difference for kids.
Education Awards
We nominated the Port Augusta Special School, which received the Minister of Education Special Award for their exceptional Port Augusta Stobie Pole Project with our Communities for Children program. This is a fantastic achievement for both the students and teachers.
Financial Awards
Our Financial Wellbeing Team is committed to helping clients thrive. Tom Geyer received the Notable Newcomer Award for his contributions, and Hannah Clinton was honoured by SAFCA with the Above and Beyond Award for her outstanding support as a Financial Capability Worker. Their dedication helps people manage their finances and improve their quality of life.
We reached key areas, including Port Augusta (49 families, 88 children), Port Pirie (39 families, 69 children), and Copper Coast (24 families, 45 children).
The program addressed a range of issues beyond child protection, such as domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, family functioning, housing, and education. Interventions were completed with 95 families, while 17 remain engaged with our services.
A total of $39,078.36 in brokerage funds was used to improve home hygiene, safety, educational resources, household furniture, food assistance, and other essential needs. Eighteen referrals were declined due to capacity or redirection to more suitable services. Despite these challenges, the program continues to foster safer, healthier environments for children and families in our communities.
This year, our Reunification Program supported 21 families with 36 children across Yorke and Mid North and Far North SA, including 14 families with 18 children who identify as Aboriginal.
Port Augusta
8 families supported
Port Pirie
8 families supported
Kadina
5 families supported
Successful Reunifications
8 families successfully reunified
Progressing Towards Reunification
6 families are making progress towards reunification
Other Outcomes:
7 families were not reunified or experienced changes in case direction.
101 |
| young people supported |
19% |
| increased educational support to 19% (up from 16%) |
18% |
| increased educational support to 19% (up from 16%) |
These impactful programs highlight our ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families across our communities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance, resources, and care to thrive.
The family came under the attention of the Department for Child Protection due to severe living conditions caused by the grandmother’s mental health challenges, resistance to external support, and longstanding hoarding behaviours that spanned generations. Following the grandmother’s rapid decline and passing, it became clear that a holistic approach was necessary to address the complex needs of the family.
Recognising the need for a safer environment, the teenagers were temporarily placed with a family friend while their mother worked to regain stability. IFS played a crucial role in supporting mum, helping her rebuild her life and create sustainable changes for everyone living in the home.
Using a strength-based approach, IFS partnered with another UCSA program to physically clear years of accumulated clutter and provide holistic care for each family member. Once the home was restored to a manageable state, IFS introduced routines and strategies to help the family maintain these improvements.
With the clutter removed, the team shifted focus to enhancing the physical and mental health of the family, addressing financial issues, and implementing structures that would enable the children to return to a positive home environment.
Through proactive engagement with IFS, mum has significantly improved her parenting skills, maintained a cleaner home, and built a supportive environment for her children. This story reflects our commitment to empowering families and fostering holistic wellbeing, ensuring children can thrive in a safe, nurturing home.
15,000+ |
| hours of therapy delivered |
240,000 |
| hours of support work provided |
$800,000 |
| hours of support work provided |
$700,000 |
| Spent on assistive technology |
$190,000 |
| allocated towards home modifications |
1,120,000kms |
| of transport and travel for participants facilitated |
10,800 |
| hours of support services co-ordinated |
13,500 |
| hours of direct contact support work offered |
126,000 kms |
| in participant travel and transport covered |
730 |
| participants supported |
47,000 |
| invoices processed |
Child Protection Awareness: We distributed 50,000 pie bags with child protection messages throughout the region.
Literacy Promotion: 2,271 free books were given away through our 7 Green Bookcases.
Children’s Voice Calendars: We provided 1,650 free children’s voice-themed calendars to families.
Playgroups: Delivered 362 playgroups funded by Communities for Children (CFC).
Children’s Rights Resources: Distributed 150 Children’s Rights colouring books and pencils at UCSA reception.
Community Events: Gave away 150 pie floaters at the Multicultural Event on Harmony Day and handed out 100 Troll Hair kits during a free Halloween Troll Movie screening.
Family Engagement: Promoted 50 family activities in October.
Child Protection Week: Distributed 40 litres of mocktails at the Blue Light Disco.
Christmas Support: Donated 40 Lego kits as Christmas gifts for children in financial distress.
Community Participation: Participated in or supported 38 community events.
Clothing Support: Gave away 1,630 items of children’s clothing through our free clothes rack.
Safety Awareness: Provided 30 fire blankets at Flinders View Primary School Community Day.
Advocacy: Erected 4 new Stobie Pole Children’s Rights signs.
Our assistance included gifts for 128 children, bringing joy to many homes during the festive season.
In addition, we provided 30 Christmas hampers to those seeking food assistance, which were gratefully received by families and individuals in need.
A heartwarming addition this year were the beautiful handwritten cards from St Mark’s students, addressed to “special people” and “special children,” spreading extra Christmas cheer.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated volunteers—our fabulous elves—whose enthusiasm and support add a touch of magic to this annual initiative. Your efforts are key to our success each year!
