UMFC

18/06/2026

More than a celebration: why Pride matters 🌈

Celebrations of pride have been held throughout the month of June since 1970.

And while times may have changed since then, LGBTQIA+ people across the world still frequently experience discrimination, stigmatisation and violence. And this reality takes a toll.

In Australia, around 3 in 4 LGBTQIA+ young people have experienced suicidal thoughts (AIHW, 2023). LGBTQIA+ people also face higher rates of psychological distress across the lifespan, reminding us that support, understanding and safe communities matter from youth through to older generations.

For the last 5 years, UMFC have partnered with Drummond Street Services Street Services to deliver free counselling to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families across North-East Victoria.

If you or someone you know would benefit from free queer-safe therapeutic support, we would love to work with you. Reach out to us directly or seek out further information at https://umfc.com.au/what-we-do/child-family-services/qspace/

Qspace: Lgbtiqa+ family counselling & support

18/06/2026

Lend a helping hand to local children and young people in need by donating towards opportunities they would otherwise miss out on.

A donation to Trust in Kids can assist children and young people to access things such as bedding when entering foster and kinship care, support for independent living, driving lessons, courses and training, tutoring and recreational opportunities.

https://umfc.com.au/donation/

You can also contact us on 0260558000 to set up a regular monthly donation or bequest.

Thank you for helping us in our vision of ensuring every child and young person is cared for.

16/06/2026

Today we were grateful to attend this vibrant, fun Refugee Week event "A Million Stories", a day full of culture, connection and community.

A highlight was hearing from the inspiring Rosemary Kariuki OAM. Rosemary shared her own story and powerful and positive messages along with future pathways for children and young people.

Thank you to TAFE NSW , Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau & Multicultural Services, Australian Red Cross and STARTTS for creating such a meaningful opportunity to celebrate stories, resilience and community and to everyone who took the time to stop, connect and share a conversation with us, it was a pleasure to meet you.

Mama Rosemary Foundation

16/06/2026

Live in or near Benalla? Drop in tomorrow for a chat about becoming a foster carer. You can ask questions, learn about the process, and enjoy a coffee while you’re there. We’d love to see you!

16/06/2026

Live in or near Benalla? Drop in tomorrow for a chat about becoming a foster carer. You can ask questions, learn about the process, and enjoy a coffee while you’re there. We’d love to see you!

Live in or around Benalla?
There’s a real need for foster carers in our local area right now.

We’re holding a relaxed, no-pressure catch up where you can learn a bit more about what fostering involves and hear from local carers about their experiences.

You’re welcome to bring a friend along too, sometimes it’s nice to explore the idea together.

Our team will be there for a chat, and we’ll have coffee ready if you’d like to call by.
If you’re able to come, or would like more information, please get in touch:

📧 [email protected]
📞 (02) 6055 8000

RubyBlue Cafe Benalla

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

Dr Stephanie Wescott is one of four keynote speakers at the 2026 Ovens Murray Community Services Symposium. We’re delighted to have her join us and look forward to her insights.

An internationally recognised feminist academic, writer and speaker, Dr Wescott’s work is helping drive systemic change in how schools and communities understand and respond to gendered violence and misogyny.

A lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University and researcher with the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Dr Wescott is internationally recognised for her work examining how misogyny and masculinist ideologies are normalised within education systems and online spaces.

Her research includes co-leading the world’s first academic study into Andrew Tate’s influence in schools and educational contexts.

This keynote will be especially valuable for:
• Educators and school wellbeing staff
• Youth and community workers
• Family violence practitioners
• Prevention and gender equality workforce
• Leaders working with children and young people

Join us for a full day symposium focused on strengthening understanding of what supports safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes for children and young people.
📍 Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
📅 Tuesday 23 June 2026
🎟️ $70 General Admission
☕ Morning tea and lunch included

Register via Humanitix:

https://events.humanitix.com/ovens-murray-community-services-stronger-together-symposium-2026?_gl=1*18gwpml*_gcl_au*MTUxNzkzOTM1NS4xNzc2MTIyODY2*_ga*MTYzNTg5NzcxMy4xNzUxMjM4MDcw*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NzY3Mzk0NTEkbzExNCRnMSR0MTc3NjczOTU5MCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.


Centre Against Violence Gateway Health V***A - Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency Women's Health Goulburn North East Supported by Family Safety Victoria and

Monash University

09/06/2026

We are excited to welcome Siobhan Wilson as one of four keynote speakers at the Ovens Murray Community Services Symposium 2026.

At just 17 years old, Siobhan is an international public speaker, youth and disability advocate, philanthropist and four-times published author whose work is driving meaningful change for children and young people.

Using her lived experience to inform professional learning and advocacy, Siobhan is helping strengthen trauma-aware and neurodiversity-informed practice across education, health and community services.

Siobhan is the founder of Our Pixie Friends, a social enterprise supporting young people through storytelling, sensory resources and initiatives that foster kindness, inclusion and connection.

This keynote will be especially valuable for:
• Educators and wellbeing staff
• Youth and community workers
• Allied health professionals
• Mental health practitioners
• Leaders working alongside children and young people

Join us for a full day symposium focused on strengthening understanding of what supports safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes for children and young people.

📍 Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
📅 Tuesday 23 June 2026
🎟️ $70 General Admission
☕ Morning tea and lunch included

Register via Humanitix. https://events.humanitix.com/ovens-murray-community-services-stronger-together-symposium-2026?_gl=1*18gwpml*_gcl_au*MTUxNzkzOTM1NS4xNzc2MTIyODY2*_ga*MTYzNTg5NzcxMy4xNzUxMjM4MDcw*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NzY3Mzk0NTEkbzExNCRnMSR0MTc3NjczOTU5MCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.


Centre Against Violence Gateway Health V***A - Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency Women's Health Goulburn North East Supported by Family Safety Victoria and Department of Families, Fairness and Housing - VIC

Our Pixie Friends

05/06/2026

We are seeking a passionate, skilled and values-driven Practitioner to join our Care Services team and help recruit, assess, develop and support foster and kinship carers.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner who thrives in relationship-based practice, enjoys balancing assessment and development work, and is committed to supporting carers who support children and young people in out-of-home care.

Apply or find out more:
https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/upper-murray-family-care-umfc-practitioner-care-services-care-services-qtxg2/

05/06/2026

We’re hiring a part-time Client Experience Officer (22.8 hrs/week) in Wangaratta.

Be the welcoming first face of our service and support a range of administrative tasks.

Find out more or apply: https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/upper-murray-family-care-umfc-client-experience-officer-operations-3guvy/