Ballarat Orphanage Gravesite Memorial

A white headstone with “Ballarat and District Orphan Asylum” was all that marked the gravesite. The new plaque now has the names, ages, and dates of death of the children interred.

A service was held at 4.15pm on the 5th of February to commemorate the plaque. The names of the children were read out individually with their ages and (if known) their cause of death. Frank Golding (Author of “An Orphan’s Escape”) was also in attendance. Frank read a moving letter to his Aunt Joyce Sinnet who was buried in the gravesite detailing the reasons behind her being placed in the home, and the tragic circumstances of her mother’s plight. Joyce, Evelyn and Claire (Rush) provided some lovely home grown roses and 26 candles for each of the children.

Deb Findlay released some colourful balloons at the end of service. The service was performed by Civil Celebrant Joan Duffy. Special thanks to Deb Findlay who initiated and assisted me with the project. Thanks to Zac for the bouquet of flowers.

Our Vision: Wellbeing, respect and safety for all children and families

Our Mission: Our mission is to strengthen and empower individuals, families and communities in order to heal from the oppression of disadvantage, alienation from culture and social connections and the trauma of abuse and violence

185

employees working at CAFS
to help strengthen and
empower individuals, families
and communities

2,386

phone calls received
for family support
for the year ended
30 June 2011

$3.75m

in client debts written off
by creditors such as banks
and utilities
with CAFS help

CAFS Values

Flexibility: Being adaptable to changing circumstances in the workplace, prioritising work, addressing what is most important and taking advantage of new and emerging opportunities.

Resilience: The capacity to recover from setbacks, overcome obstacles and impediments, and the ability to learn from experience and identify areas for self development.

Client/Member focused: Prioritising the needs of clients and members, aiming for best outcomes for clients and members, being focused on the outcome and following through with commitments.

Inclusive: Recognising the rights of others, being committed to social justice and social inclusion, making equitable decisions and respecting and valuing difference and diversity in all its forms.

Ethical: High standards of personal integrity, being truthful and reflecting expected standards of behaviour consistent with the CAFS Code of Conduct and professional Codes of Ethics.

Collaborative: Working with others to achieve common goals, engendering a spirit of teamwork, listening actively, inspiring confidence and demonstrating empathy when confronted with adversity.