RumbalaraStaffNewsletter–InternalUseOnly ThisnewsletteriscreatedexclusivelyforRumbalarastaff. Itcontainsinternalupdates,info,andgoodyarnsjustforourteam. Pleaserespectconfidentialityanddonotshareordistributethiscontent outsidetheorganisationwithoutpriorpermission
In our first edition of our 2026 staff newsletter, you’ll read a range of stories and updates from across our service areas, highlighting the important work happening everydaytosupportourcommunity.
This is also our Easter edition, (yes, Easter is just around the corner) with upcoming events, activities, and opportunities to connect, celebrate, and enjoy each others company
To help with your newsletter ‘content’ planning, we’ve included the 2026 Newsletter Schedule. It’s super helpful to have content to us by the dates listed below, as we developalotofcontentandwe’reworkinghardtoensurewecompletetasksontime andofquality
Wehopeyou’vehadagreatstarttotheyear,HAPPYREADING&HAPPYEASTER!
Aswemovefurtherinto2026,Iwanttotakeamomenttoacknowledgetheincrediblewayour teams have already hit the ground running Across every service area, I continue to see powerful work being delivered for our mob with care, commitment and cultural strength. Thankyoufortheenergyandfocusyouhavebroughtintothisnewyear.
In January, we gathered for our Annual General Meeting, which was very well attended by members, staff and community. It was a proud opportunity to reflect on the year that was, acknowledge our progress and demonstrate our shared commitment to community I I encourageyoutoreadtheAGMarticleonPage7,inthenewsletterforarecapofthehighlights andkeymessages.
On Friday 13th February we attended the anniversary of National Sorry Day an important moment of reflection, truth-telling and solidarity. Our presence at commemorations such as this reinforces our responsibility to honour history while continuing the work of healing, advocacyandculturalstrengthening
AsEasterapproaches,Ihopeyouareabletotaketimetorest,rechargeandspendtimewith thosewhomattermosttoyou.Welookaheadtotheremainderoftheyearwithpurpose,pride andacontinuedcommitmenttocommunity,cultureandconnection.
Felicia Dean
ChiefExecutiveOfficer
Today we acknowledge and pay our deepest respects to members of the Stolen Generation marking the National Apology Anniversary in its 18th year.
Werememberthosememberswhohavegonebefore us.
Weacknowledgeyourresilienceandstrengths, and supportyourHealing.
Wewillcontinuetowalkalongsideyouonyour JourneyofReconnectingwithCultureandIdentity, family,andcountry.
Mayyoucontinuetocomehome,andmayyou continuetoheal.
Rumbalara’sStatementonNationalSorryDay
IMAGES:FromNationalSorryDay
RumbalaraAGMCelebratesaYearofGrowthandStrongFoundations
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative proudly held its Annual General MeetingonThursday29thJanuary,withastrongandpositiveturnoutof membersandstaff.
TheAGMprovidedanimportantopportunitytoreflectonthe2024–2025 year A year of growth, strengthened governance and continued commitmenttocommunity
Attendees heard from Board Chair Neville Atkinson, CEO Felicia Dean and John Findlay from RSM Australia, who presented the audited financial report and confirmed the organisation’s sound financial position
The AGM recognised the dedication of our Board, staff and members in supporting community through culturally strong, sustainable and future-focusedservices
ClickHEREtodownloadthe2024-2025AnnualReport
AtRumbalara,weknowthateveryteammemberplaysapartinshapingour story.Aswewelcomenewfacesandbidfarewelltoothers,wetakeamomentto reflectontheimportanceofthesetransitions.
Arrivals:
We’reexcitedtowelcomeournewstaffwhobringfreshperspectives,uniquetalents,andasharedpassion formakingadifference.Eachnewarrivalisareminderofthegrowthandfuturepossibilitiesahead.
DellareeceMatson:Health&Wellbeing
ReneeWalsh:Justice&Community
KrystalBausch:Health&Wellbeing
NatashaPeterson:FamilyServices
DakotaPotts:Health&Wellbeing
RivaZerbato:CorporateServices
LindaWilson:Health&Wellbeing
CarlyKeenan:Justice&Community
Departures:
MitchellDunn:PADS
SissyCooper:FamilyServices
IeshaMcGee:FamilyServices
TimothyBell:Health&Wellbeing
AnthonyWalker:Justice&Community
AshleighLawrie:Health&Wellbeing
CynthiaScott:FamilyServices
MdNabidBinAbdullahRafi:Health&Wellbeing
Wealsosaygoodbyetothosewhoaremovingontonewadventures.Whiletheirdepartureleavesaspace inourteam,wecelebratethecontributionsthey’vemadeandthepositiveimpacttheyleavebehind.
TraceyJackson:Justice&Community
MelanieWinmar:Health&Wellbeing
KellyMorris:RumbalaraEldersFacility
CharismaThompson:FamilyServices
JanicePfeiffer:RumbalaraEldersFacility
JessicaReid:Justice&Community
TelethaToomey:RumbalaraEldersFacility
�� Cleaner
�� Location:RumbalaraEldersFacility
�� ApplicationsClose:Monday9 March2026 th
�� FoodServiceAssistant
�� Location:RumbalaraEldersFacility
�� ApplicationsClose:Monday9 March2026 th
�� GamblingAwarenessEngagementOfficer
�� Location:Health&Wellbeing
�� ApplicationsClose:Tuesday10 March2026 th
�� HomeInteractionProgramforParentsandYoungsters(HIPPY)SeniorWorker
�� Location:FamilyCareandEarlyYears
�� ApplicationsClose:Tuesday10 March2026 th
�� HomeInteractionProgramforParentsandYoungsters(HIPPY)SeniorWorker
�� Location:FamilyCareandEarlyYears
�� ApplicationsClose:Tuesday10 March2026 th
�� HubPractitioner-TheOrangeDoor
�� Location:JusticeandCommunityServices
�� ApplicationsClose:Tuesday17 March2026 th
�� AboriginalFamilyViolenceSupportWorker-Casual
�� Location:JusticeandCommunityServices
�� ApplicationsClose:Tuesday17 March2026 th
�� LeadFamilyPractitioner:PuttingFamiliesFirst-FixedTerm
�� Location:FamilyCareandEarlyYears
�� ApplicationsClose:Tuesday17 March2026 th APPLYHERE APPLYHERE APPLYHERE APPLYHERE APPLYHERE APPLYHERE APPLYHERE APPLYHERE
Justice and Community Services welcome all new staff members to Rumbalara Anthony Walker and Carly Keenan will be joining us as the Restorative JusticeworkerswithintheYouthandJusticeteam.
We’reexcitedtohavethembothonboardasthey roll out the new Restorative Justice program working collaboratively with external stakeholders offeringyouthwithsupportandaccountabilityina waythatfocusesonhealing,learning,andgrowth.
The Restorative Justice model offers youth a chance to learn from mistakes, repair relationships, and move forward positively, while stillbeingheldaccountable.
Hi everyone, names Anthony Walker proud Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Gunggari man born and raised in Shepparton, I have grown up around the Rumba communitysinceaslongasIcanremember
CurrentlyrelocatedbackhometoSheppartonfrom Melbourneafterlivingdownthereforfewyears
I'm a young father of 2 beautiful kids Naiyira and Tiyawi, recently worked at Ngwala Willumbong as the cultural lead for the north/west areas in Melbourne.
Ienjoyplayingfootballasahobbywhilstdoingabit of camping and fishing with family during the off season.
CarlyKeenan
My name is Carly Keenan I am a proud mother of three beautifulchildrenandmymobisWurundjeri
I previously worked for three and a half years as a case manager at Connecting Home, where I supported members of the Stolen Generations and their descendants.
I am deeply passionate about making a positive difference in the community and helping people turn theirlivesaroundwhilewitnessingtheirgrowth
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, watching football on the weekends as a die-hard North Melbourne supporter, and during summer, enjoying time atthelakeboatingwithmykids.
We are pleased to welcome to the Family Violence team, Casey Stovell. Casey is a proud Wokka Wokka womanwhojoinsusfromourJusticeteam.
While Casey's absence will be greatly felt within the Local Justice Team, we are excited for her to bringing her passion, and knowledge to the Family Violence Team
Casey has recently completed placement at the Women'sRefugeandhasundertakenextensivetraining in family violence in preparation for commencing her new role. Casey is undertaking Bachelor of Applied SocialScience
Please join us in congratulating Casey on her new position and wishing her every success in the Family ViolenceTeam
Sierra Tejones commenced her role as Business Support OfficeratWinyanbogaNanghainOctober2025.
Sierra is a proud Palawa woman who grew up in Cobram and Shepparton. Sierra is currently completing a Certificate IVinCommunityServices&AlcoholandOtherDrugs
Sierra is passionate about supporting community and brings enthusiasm, commitment and positive energy to the team
TeishaToomeyjoinedWinyanbogaNanghainJuly2025 as part of the casual staff pool in her role as an AboriginalFamilyViolenceSupportWorker
Since commencing, she has successfully transitioned intoapermanentpart-timeposition.Teishaisexcitedto further develop her career in the sector and is dedicatedtosupportingAboriginalfamilies.
Renee Walsh is a proud Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara andNgadjonJiiwomanwhohasgrownupinEchuca.
Renee commenced at Rumbalara within Winyanboga NanghaasaSpecialistAboriginalFamilyViolenceCase Manageron5 January2026. th
Renee has completed her Bachelor of Community and Social Development and is working towards her Master of Social Work Renee brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to her role and has been a wonderfuladditiontotheteam
Wehaverecentlycompletedanotherroundofschoolholidayprogramsofferingouryouth and community plenty of opportunities to engage in positive activities throughout January.
Therewasplentyoffunhadwithsomegreatactivitiesandeventssuchas;GravityShack andswimminginEchuca,avisittotheMelbourneZooandwealsoheldopenfamilydays atAquamovesinSheppartonwithfreshPizzaprovidedforlunch AtriptoMelbournetothe AustralianOpentennistournamentandadayattheRACEldersFacilityengagingwithour Eldersandexperiencingsomecloseupactionwithnativereptiles.
We had great uptake from young people, staff volunteers and our Elders to make these holidaysasuccess!
AUSTRALIANOPENHIGHLIGHT
Oneofthehighlightswasayoungpersonfromouryouthgroupsbeingchosentodo thecointossattheAustralianOpen!!
ReViTALISEProjectinpartnershipwithGoulburnValleyHealth and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd launched three videosontheLotjpaYapaneyepukYouTubechannel,created withmob,formob.
These videos aim to help improve understanding and access to cancer clinical trials for Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslanderpeoples.
Thevideosinclude:
What is a clinical trial? – An animated video introducing clinical trials, presented in a culturally relevant context, emphasisingfamily,cultureandinformedconsent.CLICK HEREFORVIDEO
Lived experience of cancer trials – A Wulli Wulli woman shares her lived experience of participating in a clinical trial CLICKHEREFORVIDEO
Being seen, being heard: Yarning with health professionals about cancer trials – A resource for health professionals, highlighting the priorities of Aboriginal people living with cancer and the role of family and cultureincare CLICKHEREFORVIDEO
The launch event held at our Activity Centre was a celebration and acknowledgement of community members who contributed to these videos, with almost a hundred people in attendance. The launch presented the first public viewing of the videos, and the beginning of dissemination that aims to go nationwide.
Lotjpa Yapaneyepuk is one of seven initiatives delivered through the ReViTALISE Project, facilitated by RegionalTrialsNetwork–VictoriaandfundedbytheAustralianGovernmentthroughtheMedicalResearch FutureFund(MRFF).
�� NEEDSOMEONETOTALKTO?YOU'RENOTALONE. IFYOU’REFEELINGOVERWHELMED,BURNTOUT,ORJUSTNEEDAYARN —SUPPORTISAVAILABLE,FREE,ANDCONFIDENTIAL.WHETHERIT’S WORK,HOME,CULTURE,ORPERSONALCHALLENGES—HELPISJUSTA CALLOREMAILAWAY. ��
VAHShasalsoestablishedYSNS,a24/7 counsellingserviceforAboriginalandTorres StraitIslanderPeoples It’sfree,confidential, andrunbypeoplewhogetit because they’velivedittoo.Supportavailablefor:
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�� Call1800959563–Anytime,DayorNight
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Freecounsellingtosupportyourwellbeingthrough:
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Managerscanaccessextrasupportwith:
�� Quickconsults(ManagerAssist)
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VAHSABORIGINALEMPLOYEE ASSISTANCEPROGRAM
SpecificallyforAboriginalstaff,this culturallysafeEAPoffersanon-judgmental spacetoyarnandheal,withsupportfor:
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�� Referralsandongoingsupport
�� Contact:eap@vahs.org.au
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Needahandwithhealthyeating?
MeetMadalinGiorgetta,ourin-house Nutritionist&PersonalTrainer ��
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�� LOCAL&NATIONALMENTALHEALTHSUPPORTSERVICES NOMATTERWHATYOU’REGOINGTHROUGH—THERE’SHELP AVAILABLECLOSETOHOMEANDACROSSTHECOUNTRY.
GOULBURNVALLEYHEALTH–MENTALHEALTHSERVICES
Community-basedsupport,counselling, andcrisisresponseforpeopleexperiencing mentalhealthchallenges.
�� (03)58322222
�� gvhealth.org.au
Family-focusedservicesincludingmental healthsupport,counselling,andassistance forparenting,relationshipsandmore
�� (03)58212600
�� sheppfamcare.org.au
Youth-friendlycounselling,programs,and supportservicesforyoungpeople navigatingmentalhealth,relationships, andlifestuff.
�� 147WyndhamSt,SheppartonVIC
�� (03)58205900
�� headspace.org.au/shepparton
Supportandresourcesforanxiety, depression,andgeneralmentalhealth You cancallforachat,accessinfo,orjoin forumsonline
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�� beyondblue.org.au
Free,confidentialsupportforanyoneinemotionaldistressoratriskofsuicide availableanytime,dayornight
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�� lifeline.org.au
�� You'reneveralone. Whetherit’sbigorsmall,personalorwork-related—there’ssupportthat understandsyou.Reachoutwhenyouneed. ����
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative warmly invites community members to come together for our upcomingEasterFamilyDay Aspecialdayofconnection,cultureandcommunityspirit
This year’s celebration will be packed with fun, including kids’ activities, games, an Easter egg hunt, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to yarn and catch up It’s a chance to relax, share laughs, andstrengthenthebondsthatkeepourcommunitystrong
Easter Family Day is about more than just chocolate eggs – it’s about coming together in a safe and welcomingspace,celebratingourchildren,andhonouringtheimportanceoffamilyandcommunity Bring your community spirit We look forward to seeing you there for a deadly day of fun and connection!
Keepaneyeoutforeventdetailsincludingdate,timeandlocation Everyoneiswelcome
PublicHoliday
LABOURDAY9 March TH
GoodFriday Friday3 April rd
EasterMonday
Monday 6 April th
AclassicAboriginalDreamingstoryfromLardilCountry Explainscreation,law,land,andrespectforCountryinapowerfulway SuitableforkidsANDadults(beautifulillustrationstoo) TheRainbowSerpent Watch of the Month WatchoftheMonth Rabbit-ProofFence”(2002)
BasedonatruestoryofthreeAboriginalgirlstakenfromtheirfamilies FollowstheirincrediblejourneyhomeacrosstheAustraliandesert Powerful,emotional,andgreatforeducationandreflection
5Woolworthsthickcutchickensouvlakikebabskewers
2tablespoonsWoolworthsextravirginoliveoil
5piecesLebanesebread
200gramshummus
1redonion,thinlysliced
3trusstomatoes,cutintothinwedges
4leavesiceberglettuce,shredded
2Lebanesecucumbers,sliced
100gramsWoolworthsGreek-stylefetta,crumbled 1/4bunchmint,leavespicked
1lemon,cutintowedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Preheatabarbecuegrillorchargrillpanovermedium-highheat.Drizzleskewerswith1 tbsoil.Addtogrill.Cookskewersfollowingpacketinstructions.Transfertoaplate.
2.Brushbreadwithremainingoil.Addtogrillandcookfor30secondseachsideoruntil goldenbrown.
3.Spreadhummusoverbread.Topwithchicken,onion,tomato,lettuce,andcucumber. Sprinklewithfettaandmint Servewithlemon
Ingredients
200gramshazelnutchocolate,roughlychopped 2tbschocolate-hazelnutspread 1/3cupshreddedcoconut
100gfriednoodles
125gCadburyminimilkchocolateeastereggs
Step-by-StepInstructions
1Linealargebakingtraywithbakingpaper
2.Placechocolateandspreadinaheatproof,microwave-safebowl.Microwave, uncovered,onmediumfor1minute,stirringafter30secondswithametalspoon,oruntil meltedandsmooth Stirincoconutandnoodlestocoat
3.Using2tablespoonfulsofmixtureatatime,spoonmixtureontotraytoform‘nests’.Using backofaspoon,makeasmallindentionincentres Fillindentationswithchocolateeggs Refrigeratefor2hoursoruntilset.Serve.
Justice & Community Services
368-370 Wyndham St, Shepparton (03) 5820 0010
Medical Services
20 Rumbalara Rd, Mooroopna (03) 5820 0035
Dental Services
20 Rumbalara Rd, Mooroopna (03) 5820 0080
Engagement & Family Services
141-179 Echuca Rd, Mooroopna (03) 5831 2010
Woongi unit (AOD & Mental Health)
170 Knight St, Shepparton (03) 5831 2010
NDIS - Positive Ageing & Disability Services
CNR Numurkah Rd & Graham St, Shepparton (03) 5822 2866
Swan Hill- Positive Ageing & Disability Services
62 Campbell St, Swan Hill (03) 5032 1580
Elder'sFacility
95FordRd,Shepparton (03)58206200
PublicIntoxicationResponse
73NumarkahRd,Shepparton (04)77093055
Housing&Homelessness
141-179EchucaRd,Mooroopna (03)58225670
SeymourCorporate 65AnzacAve,Seymour (03)58000000
StarrittRdFarm 455StarrittRd, MooroopnaNorthWest
CorporateHeadOffice 39ArcherSt,Mooroopna (03)58200000
WinyabogaNangha Womens&Childrens
Accommodation (undisclosedlocation) 1800184285
Giveusacall CorporateServices(03)58200000
Visitus CorporateServices 39ArcherStreet,MooroopnaVIC3630
Visitourwebsite www.rumbalara.org.au
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FindusonLinkedin RumbalaraAboriginalCooperative
Emailus: vicki.scott@raclimited.com.au natalie.visentin@raclimited.com.au
