Fusion Central West

06/08/2024

Thanks to Gillian for her more than 10 years of care and support for the Fusion Op Shop in Kambah, Canberra. The Fusion team came together to celebrate her efforts last Friday, acknowledging the impact of Gillian’s dedication on the life of the team, the wider Canberra community and neighbourhoods around the country.

As Gillian shared, this may be the end of her time as Manager of the Op Shop, but she remains committed to Fusion and the vision to see our communities transformed so that young people can thrive.

Thanks, Gillian!

06/08/2024

01/08/2024

In case you're wondering, we're still working on this problem nearly 40 years later!

“I’m a young homeless person – What will you do with me?”

In 1985, two young people experiencing homelessness were sleeping in a dumpster in Melbourne. The boys awoke as they were being tipped into a compactor truck. Their screams were heard around Melbourne. The driver was only able to pull one boy to safety, the other young man died under the rubbish. They were 15.

Our team knew young people around Australia, in situations just like these two boys. The team were moved to action.

Some of the team were talented performing artists who took to the streets, sharing the story of these two boys and educating passers by about youth homelessness.

They would hand out tiny dolls – written on each doll was a question….“I’m a young homeless person – What will you do with me?”

Confronting daily commuters, the media got on board, featuring the story on the TV News, in newspapers and radio.

Some of the team used their research skills to develop 5 White Papers to present to Parliament as part of the International Year of Youth. The White Papers outlined issues to do with youth homelessness, youth su***de, poverty, unemployment and the failure of the education system for the non-academic.

These White Papers were a ground breaking way of documenting the harsh realities of life for many young people and brought them to the attention of those who could make a difference.

While much has been done to bring about change, the reality is that tonight 122, 494 people are experiencing homelessness in Australia. 23% are between 12 and 25 years old.

This Homelessness Week we’re challenged to take ACTION NOW. In the same way as Fusion's teams did then, we can use our resources and skills to...

FIND OUT more about homelessness in our communities here https://everybodyshome.com.au/heat-maps/

DONATE to Fusion’s work with young people experiencing and at risk of homelessness https://fusion.org.au

ACT Get involved in your local community and provide support and friendship to those who are doing life alone. Visit your local Fusion centre to find out more about how you can get involved. https://fusion.org.au/where-we-are/

04/07/2024

Families Courses Our courses are available in person, online and now as a video course you can take at your own pace. Families Course on video. After two decades of running the Families Course in small and large face to face groups, and more recently on Zoom, we are now thrilled to offer the Familie...

25/06/2024

A Day to Change the World! 30 years ago today Australians joined with 10 million people in 178 cities around the world in the Global March for Jesus.

In front of the Sydney Opera House, 50 thousand people came together in a day of celebration, bringing hope to the streets of the nation and showing what the church looks like when it works in harmony.

The Awakening movement undergirded by Fusion, would see Australian churches continue to put aside their differences to come together in visible unity and outreach to their communities throughout the 1990s in festivals, vigils, marches and other community initiatives.

Together there’s life!

25/06/2024

11/06/2024

Some may well remember taking part in this event prior to the Olympic Games in 2000...travelling down to Sydney to join in the big march and the stadium event...spectacular.

27/05/2024

21/05/2024

Nearly 65 years ago, a group of young adults chose to make room in their hearts and lives for young people in need of a community. Fusion was born from their efforts. They committed to step out of their comfort zone to engage, mentor and challenge other young people. Their choices started a movement for change that spread across the country and made friends around the world.

Today our Fusion volunteers continue to serve in the same way. Together we are creating communities where young people are valued, can find belonging, and be empowered to discover their unique purpose and place in the world.

This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating what’s possible when we put aside self interest and make space for others.

Thanks to every person who has given their time, heart, and skill to create opportunities for young people to thrive. Together there’s life!