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A year-long review of the BSL's family support services began, reviewing the BSL's involvement in children’s and family service provision (January 1987-January 1988) (BSL Annual report 1986-1987 p.4).
From January 1987 BSL's service provision expanded in Limurru Neighbourhood Parent & Children's Centre, providing sessional day care at the Cottage, occasional care at 124 Napier Street and a Drop-In Centre for the parents. A more comprehensive service was planned with focus on child care for children from particularly disadvantaged families. The service was managed by the parents and the constitution gave them a great deal of involvement in the ongoing functioning of the centre (For the Constitution see [Limurru_Parents_Committee_Constitution_c1986.pdf] "While the Cottage Child Care was not affected, the Drop-In Centre and Occasional Care service were dominated by a core group of families and concerns around this led to the current review." Donna Ward (BSL Family Support Service) Review of service provision at Limurru Neighbourhood and Children's Centre, 1988, p.6. (Brotherhood Action December 1987 (No.271) pp.1-2). Limurru_Parents_Committee_Constitution_c1986.pdf
A year-long review of the BSL's family support services began, reviewing the BSL's involvement in children’s and family service provision (January 1987-January 1988) (BSL Annual Report 1986-1987 p.4)
The Family Services Development Unit was established as part of the Brotherhood's Community Services Department, responsible for the development and implementation of the Brotherhood’s family services as well as involvement in current policies in the area of children and families (BSL Annual Report 1987-1988 p.5). The coordinator was Donna Ward.
Jan Carter, Director of the Social Policy and Research Centre, appointed as a Commissioner to the National Inquiry into Homeless Children and Young People by the Human Rights & Equal Opportunities Commission. The report Our Homeless Children was published in 1989 (BSL Annual Report 1987-1988 p.10).
BSL provided a seeding grant to establish an independent regional emergency relief committee (the Western Port Emergency Relief Network) to help develop a coordinated approach to poverty in the Western Port area, along with an establishment grant to employ a regional resource worker. (See below under Material & Financial Support)
The Federal Government brought down a "mini-Budget" in May 1987, leading to comment ffrom the Brotherhood on the potential impact of some measures on the more vulnerable members of the community (Brotherhood Action June 1987 (No.269) p.2).
The Fitzroy and ARC Credit Union, one of the independent organisations supported by the Brotherhood, moved out of the BSL to larger and better shopfront premises in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (Brotherhood Action September 1987 (No.270) p.3; "Computers bring change at Credit Co-op" in Brotherhood Action September 1988 p.4).
The Employment Development Unit (EDU) through its Projects Development Officer, Ian Brain, developed Traineeship Access Courses to assist long-term unemployed 15-19 year-olds to obtain Australian Traineeships (experimental project funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment & Training - DEET). A gradual process was designed, including a three-month pre-employment work orientation course followed by the 12- month traineeship. After the 12 months, the trainees were to be employed on the project for a further 3 months with a view to placing them in permanent employment, a study course, or both. A six-month follow-up period was established to allow the trainee to get advice and placement services if needed (Brotherhood Action June 1987 (No.269) pp.1-2)
The Brotherhood offered twelve residential aide and six general clerical traineeships for entry into the social and community services sector of the workforce. These were offered to young people from long-term unemployed disadvantaged groups who had been disadvantaged in previous efforts to find jobs but who were motivated towards the type of work required in either field. In September 1987 DEET accepted the concept to be piloted nationally in twelve areas, offered through TAFE Colleges (BSL Annual Report 1986-1987 p.4; Employment development traineeship programme).
Major review of Laurence Industries led to resolution to establish new employment program for people with intellectual and other disabilities. Laurence Industries to cease operating as a sheltered workshop by July 1988.
G.K. Tucker Settlement Redevelopment Appeal raised $730,000 (BSL Annual Report 1986-1987 p.6)
Students of Northcote High School donated $400 to help with accommodation services program for older people in recognition of the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (Brotherhood Action December 1987 (No.271) p.4 (no numbering)
The overseas markets of the BSL’s Donated Goods Division were featured in Brotherhood Action (Brotherhood Action March 1987 (No.268) p.1)
The 21st Annual fair in October at St Laurence Park, Lara, raised $15,000 (Brotherhood Action December 1988 (No.275) p.5).
Western Port Emergency Relief Network commenced. An independent regional emergency relief committee in the Western Port area, this was auspiced and part-funded for an initial two years by the BSL as a result of the Souter review of emergency relief provision on the Peninsula. In conjunction with an establishment grant to employ a regional resource worker, the aim was to develop a coordinated approach to poverty in the Western Port area. (January) (Terry Holman On Shifting Sands, 1992 p.3; Robyn Souter "Stretched to the limit : Western Port emergency relief review project", July 1986 and BSL Internal Working Paper No.2 "Overview and History of Income Supplementation services in the Brotherhood of St Laurence (1972-1996)" p.31-2).
Fitzroy Material Aid service expanded to cater for greater demand in the catchment area.
Preliminary planning began for a joint frail homeless persons project between the BSL and Hanover Welfare Services, to tackle Melbourne's growing problem of frail homeless older people (became the Wintringham Hostels) (Brotherhood Action September 1988, pp 1-2).
Carrum Downs cottage redevelopment project officially opened - 22 new cottages constructed, a number of existing cottages renovated - jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and the BSL Peninsula capital appeal (BSL Annual Report 1987-1988, p.6).
An evaluation project examined the Quality of Life in the Brotherhood's nursing homes and hostels. Sally Ryan and Marilyn Roper were seconded to the project, looking at the standards in the facilities. In consultation with community, staff and residents, they proposed a Quality of Life document developing and implementing strategies related to the Commonwealth Government standards.
A year-long review of the BSL's family support services began, reviewing the BSL's involvement in children’s and family service provision (January 1987-January 1988) (BSL Annual report 1986-1987 p.4).
The Family Services Development Unit was established as part of the Community Services Department, responsible for the development and implementation of the Brotherhood’s family services as well as involvement in current policies in the area of children and families.
New Brotherhood Human Resources Department established in March with a Human Resources Manager, Faith Godefroy, appointed in March, followed by the appointment of an Industrial Relations & WorkCare Officer. A Staff Development Officer was appointed in 1988 (BSL Annual Report 1987-1988 p.5.).
BSL provided seeding grant to establish an independent regional emergency relief committee to help develop a coordinated approach to poverty in the Western Port area, along with an establishment grant to employ a regional resource worker.
Acquisition of Winnipeg Textiles, a Melbourne company exporting second-hand clothing and rag for recycling and the BSL's major competitor in the export market for rag. Most of Winnipeg's employees transferred to the Brotherhood and the business was integrated into the Donated Goods Division's operation at Coolaroo. By increasing the throughput of goods from 4000 tonnes to 7500 tonnes, this made the Brotherhood operation the largest of its type in Australia. (October) (BSL Annual Report 1987-1988 p.13)
Quality of Life policy developed, based on consultation with community, staff and residents, looking at ways to develop and implement strategies related to the Commonwealth Government standards (BSL Annual Report 1986-1987 p.4) Quality_of_Life_evaluation_project_1987-9.pdf
Draft G.O.S.P.A Five Year Plan for the Brotherhood of St Laurence (Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Plans, Activities) distributed to the BSL Membership (December) (Peter Hollingworth to BSL membership (7 December 1987) Hollingworth_re_GOSPA_1987-12-7.pdf
Construction of the BSL and the Victorian Health Department joint building development (on the site of 73-79 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy - later known as 75 Brunswick Street) began with the clearing of an adjoining vacant block of land and demolition of two old shops (BSL Annual Report 1985-1986 p.2; BSL Annual Report 1986-1987 p.16 - Notes to the Accounts, n.6 Fixed Assets: “The Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Fitzroy Community Health Centre are contributing to the project according to a pre-determined formula. A trust known as the 73-81 Brunswick St. Trust has been established for this purpose")..
Dr Veronica Brady, as an honorary Visiting Fellow for 1987, assisted the BSL's Social Policy & Research Department with studies examining Australian culture in depth through Australian-made film successes of the last decade. "This will compose a picture of the values of average Australians. The study should help to explain why decent people are savagely critical of supporting mothers and people who do not have a job." (Brotherhood Action March 1987 (No.268) p.3)
The Social Policy and Research Department became the Social Policy and Research Centre (BSL Annual Report 1986-1987 p.9).
Jan Carter, Director of the Social Policy and Research Centre, appointed as a Commissioner to the National Inquiry into Homeless Children and Young People by the Human Rights & Equal Opportunities Commission. The report Our Homeless Children was published in 1989 (BSL Annual Report 1987-1988 p.10.).
Seventh Sambell Oration: Be it ever so humble... There’s no place like home Bishop Peter Hollingworth at the 57th Foundation Festival of the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
National Committee of Non-Government Organisations for International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (Peter Hollingworth, chair) produced the report Towards fair shares in Australian Housing for national consultations.
A video "Be it ever so humble …", a film about some of Australia’s housing problems, was produced as part of the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless and narrated by Bishop Peter Hollingworth. A 25-minute VHS video. Includes interviews with a cross-section of people with housing problems, and looks at the demand for emergency accommodation, discrimination against tenants, and the particular needs of the elderly, amongst other issues.
Living Places, a book and photographic exhibition by photographer (and BSL Public Relations Manager) Dyranda Prevost and architect Ann Rado, was produced as part of a joint venture of the BSL and the State Library of Victoria.
The report Our Homeless Children was published in 1989.
Other publications included
A bronze bas-relief medallion of Father Tucker was commissioned from sculptor Stanley Hammond by the late Mrs Dorothy McAllister. This was to be placed on the front of the Brotherhood’s main office building in Fitzroy (Brotherhood Action March 1987 (No.268) p.3).