Our new name, UnitingSA, has been officially marked at a public celebration with more than 130 of our key supporters and stakeholders.
We were privileged to have in attendance the Honourable Susan Close, Minister for Education and Child Development, and the Honourable Mark Butler, Federal Member for Port Adelaide.
The event, at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on November 8, started with a Welcome to Country by Georgina Williams.
UnitingSA Board Chair Gael Fraser then took to the stage to explain the new brand and how it came about.
“From our beginnings when we helped fewer than 100 people a year, through to today when we support more than 10,000, we have adapted and grown to meet community need,” Ms Fraser said.
“We still have a strong base in Port Adelaide but our footprint has grown significantly in recent years.
“That is why we have become UnitingSA – a name and brand that better reflects our organisation as it stands today.”
The gathering viewed the new UnitingSA video before CEO Libby Craft joined the stage to welcome the evening’s special guest speakers, William and Hiroko.
“William came into contact with us through our Western Adelaide Homelessness Services when he found himself in a position where there was nowhere safe to sleep at night,” Ms Craft said.
“Hiroko has received support through our Personal Helpers and Mentors program – one of our Mental Health Services helping improve people’s health and wellbeing.”
William and Hiroko shared their stories through a panel discussion with UnitingSA Executive Manager Community Services, Meredith Perry.
They each spoke about their struggles when they first came into contact with UnitingSA, and how our staff worked alongside them to help them improve their wellbeing.
Today, they are both thriving and we were privileged to have them share their journey with us as we celebrated our organisation’s new chapter.
As Ms Craft said: “Although we have a new look, our vision remains – for a compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.”