Diversity is an important part of who Flourish Australia is and the work we do. We celebrate the ancestries of everyone who is part of Flourish Australia – our team members, people who access our supports and their carers, family and kin, and the communities in which we work. What an amazing Australian story that represents. We celebrate it because it makes us better people, professionals and communities.
This is one of the reasons Flourish Australia has a Diversity Council, providing us with a forum where we can focus on how to make the organisation even more welcoming and supportive of people from different cultures from around the World. It is also why we have a Rainbow Network and a Yarn Up Group for our LGBTIQA+ and First Nations staff.
In terms of diversity June is the month we celebrate LGBQTIA+ Pride, in all its diversity. It’s the time of year we commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1968 and the birth of our own Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978. Mardi Gras was part of an International Day of Gay Solidarity recognising the need for activism to achieve law reform across the world. Reflecting our own organisational commitment we are proud member of ACON’s Pride in Diversity and Pride in Health and Wellbeing Programs aimed at becoming better as an employer and service provider for LGBTIQA+ community members.
This month I hope you enjoy Andrew’s story. It’s great to hear the experience of a young person as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and to be reminded of the bright future people have when able to access the right supports at the right time. As Andrew reflects “Recovery doesn’t mean going back to who you were before. Sometimes, it means becoming someone new — with more understanding, more purpose, and a deeper connection to others.”
And as it is End of the Financial Year, it’s a great opportunity to highlight how you can support our women and children’s program which focused on supporting Mums with mental health challenges and their children. This month, there is a great story about the work of the program and how you can donate and support this life changing experience.
Thank you for your ongoing support for our work. We are deeply grateful for you reading this newsletter, being part of our community, and engaging with us whenever the opportunity arises.
Mark Orr AM
Chief Executive Officer
