2001: Triple J "Real Appeal" Donation
Companion House were donated $10,000 from Triple J's "Real Appeal", Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of
Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) in December 2001
Donations were utilised to provide services to young men from the ages of 13-20 who had not previously been given attention. A beach and snow trip were also funded through the appeal for over a 100 people.
Companion House.2003. Companion House Annual Report 2002- 2003 <br /><a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/22">https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/22</a><a href="http://companionhousehistory.org/files/original/260a9880759e439ea8f3c46c9fec22c6.pdf"><br /></a>
2002: Kosova Women's Crochet and Knitting Group
During Refugee Week in 2002, Canberra Museum and Gallery had an exhibition featuring the works of the Kosova Women's Crochet and Knitting group. The group was established to connect women who were part of the families with temporary visas.
Companion House. 2003. Companion House Annual Report 2002-2003 <br /><a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/22">https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/22</a><a href="http://companionhousehistory.org/files/original/260a9880759e439ea8f3c46c9fec22c6.pdf"><br /></a>
December 2002
2000: TRANSACT changes name to Companion House, Assisting Survivors of Torture and Trauma
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/">http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/</a>
2000
1998: Parenting in Australia: A Resource and Guide to Assist Facilitators in Providing Information to Newly Arrived Refugee Parents was published
A guide written by TRANSACT staff member to provide and assist newly arrived parents into Australia. Utilised in several of the Safe Havens
Companion House.1998. "Parenting in Australia, A Resource and a Guideto Assist Facilitators in Providing Information to Newly Arrived Refugee Parent", Australia<br /><a href="http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27936570?q=TRANSACT&l-decade=199&c=book&versionId=46377719">http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/27936570?q=TRANSACT&l-decade=199&c=book&versionId=46377719</a>
1998
1996: TRANSACT created a counselling program dedicated to children
Originally funded through donation and ran during the Summer holidays of 1995-1996
<br />TRANSACT, 1999 "Historical Background The Thinking Behind the Development of TRANSACT as Torture Trauma Agency"<br /><a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/119">https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/119</a>
1996
2017: The Happiness Garden in Pialligo
32 families participated in the Happiness Garden in Pialligo growing fresh vegetables and herbs both for themselves and to share with their communities. Community members also participated in an open day for the wider Canberra community, and a celebration dinner using produce from the garden. This was to encourage healthy eating and self sufficiency as well as encouraging community.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/annual-report-2017-web-version.pdf">Companion House, 2017, Annual Report</a>
2017
2016: Scholarships with the University of Canberra
Companion House entered into an alliance with the University of Canberra to ensure five young asylum seekers were able to access tertiary education in 2016. This partnership will provide new options for asylum seekers in Australia.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Annual-Report-2016-website.pdf">Companion House, 2016, Annual Report</a>
2016
2016: Migration Advice and Assistance
Over 2015-16 they managed the Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme (IAAAS) for the ACT. Under the IAAAS Companion House provided: 405 immigration advice sessions (most of these were focused on family reunion applications) and 9 asylum seekers with immigration advice. We also sourced support for people not eligible for the IAAAS - this work is reported more fully under Goal 4. In addition, they ran a volunteer program to support people to complete migration documentation.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Annual-Report-2016-website.pdf">Companion House, 2015, Annual Report</a>
2016: ACTCOSS partnership award
Companion House and partnering organisations received a 2016 ACTCOSS partnership award for their collaboration in careers advice and establishment of training pathways for young asylum seekers, as well as organising driver’s licence scholarships for newly arrived people
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Annual-Report-2016-website.pdf">Companion House, 2016, Annual Report</a>
2016
2016: Education Forum
The ACT Parents and Citizens Council, the ACT Principals Association and Companion House cosponsored the 2016 Me and My School Forum. The forum succeeded in its aims to: foster a greater understanding of the difficulties and perspectives of families from refugee backgrounds. As well as to share good practice and resources and Inspire schools to focus more on engaging families from refugee background.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Annual-Report-2016-website.pdf">Companion House, 2015, Annual Report</a>
2016
2015: Legal support
Linked asylum seekers and people from a refugee background who had visa cancellations to migration advice and legal support when needed. Also advocated for torture survivors and people with vulnerable mental health in decision-making processes.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/annual_report_2015_from_CH_website.pdf">Companion House, 2015, Annual Report</a>
2014: $10,000 raised at dinner
Raised $10,000 at a fundraising dinner for emergency relief, which has helped to address the needs of asylum seekers.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Annual_Report_2014.pdf">Companion House, 2014, Annual Report</a>
2014
2013: "Singing our Cultures" CD collaboration
Produced “Singing our Cultures”, a CD of songs for children in Arabic and Dinka, in collaboration with Sudanese women and the West Belconnen Child and family Centre.
<a href="http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/20305518?q=companion+house&l-decade=201&c=article&versionId=23983831">Trove, Companion House Newsletter, 2000- 2017 </a>
2013
2013: Woman's health
Facilitated women from four communities to start participation in health screening and engage in physical activities such as tennis and Zumba
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/annual%20report%202013.pdf">Companion House, 2013, Annual Report</a>
2013: Medical service refurbishment
They completed the refurbishment of their medical service. The set up of a new medical room, replacement of ageing medical equipment and starting a new process for improving referral pathways to community GPs.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/annual%20report%202013.pdf">Companion House, 2013, Annual Report</a>
2010: Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme
In 2010 Companion House started offering the first Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme (IAAAS) in the ACT region.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/annual_report_2015_from_CH_website.pdf">Compaion House, 2015, Annual Report </a>
2010: Organisation moved location
In 2010 Companion House moved to the Community Hub in Cook (41 Templeton Street Cook, next to the Cook shops)
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/annual_report_2015_from_CH_website.pdf">Companion House, 2010, Annual Report</a>
2010
1996: Children's Intervention Counselling Program Introduced.
1996 Transact started a dedicated children’s early intervention counselling program.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/%20">Companion House. Retrieved October 12, 2017, from http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/</a>
1996
1996: PUBLISHED! 'Companions in the Search'
Published “Companions in the search: a multidisciplinary guide to assist in the rehabilitation of clients who have experienced torture and trauma before settling in Australia.”
It's also been suggested that this is where the idea for "Companion House" originated, based on Newsletters produced by Companion House.
Torture Rehabilitation and Network Service ACT 1996, Companions in the search: a multidisciplinary guide to assist in the rehabilitation of clients who have experienced torture and trauma before settling in Australia, TRANSACT, Turner, A.C.T
1996
1995: TRANSACT receives Government Health Grant Canberra Times story lists 'Annual Health Funding for Community Groups'
01 July Saturday – TRANSACT receives $48,000 Government Health Grants for 1995-1996. Published in Canberra Times ‘Annual Health Funding for Community Groups.’ A.C.T Health Minister Kate Carnell reported funds totalling $739,500 for 25 community organisations under the Health Grants Program for 1995-96.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128284600">1995 'Annual health funding for community groups', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 1 July, p. 4. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128284600</a>
01/07/1995
1995: 'Play Emotionally Trying' Theatre Production Research Publish in The Canberra Times
27th April Thursday – ‘Play Emotionally Trying’ article by Rachel Hill published. The article follows the process George Huitker (Actor) and Belinda Pearson (Director) take to understand the psychological trauma and torture that victims are exposed to, in order to make their production of ‘One for the Road’ accurate in its depiction of such subjects as torture trauma. They visited TRANSACT to “Look over Files” to understand what they were up against, so that they could push the boundaries to help people outside of these traumatic experiences, understand why and how our community support is needed. The production was performed the Ralph Wilson Theatre.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130546087">1995 'Backstage', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 27 April, p. 30. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130546087</a>
27/04/1995
1995: Lyons Club Race Day Fundraiser for TRANSACT
25th March Saturday – Lions Club fundraiser race day at Queanbeyan race course for TRANSACT. Creating community awareness for the organisation as well as raising funds for their cause. A small Advert was placed in The Canberra Times in the ‘Fridge Door’ section.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127519718">1995 'FRIDGE DOOR', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 23 March, p. 12. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127519718</a>
25/03/1995
1995: 'Refugee Hide Grim Secrets' The Canberra Times Publishes story on TRANSACT's Global Network
21st March Tuesday – ‘Refugees Hide Grim Secrets’ Article published in The Canberra Times by Jacqueline Fuller. Interview with TRANSACT Director Michele Harris and statements from Svend Christensen, representative for International Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma, revealing that TRANSACT had been “Linked with its counterparts around the world via an international information network”
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127519242">1995 'Refugees hide grim secrets', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 21 March, p. 5. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127519242</a>
21/04/1995
2010: World Refugee Soccer Day
Companion House continued with their annual soccer tournament on World Refugee Day once again in 2010 with six teams from the Chin, Karen, Liberian, Mon, Sierra Leone and Sudan communities. 2010 was the first year that the Liberian team participated, and they also ‘went home with the winner’s trophy!’.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/48">Companion House. (2010). 2009 – 2010 annual report.</a>
2010
1995: Joined IRCT: International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
1995 – TRANSACT Joins International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, an umbrella organisation sharing information and resources to combat worldwide torture and trauma and serve those who have suffered and need assistance.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127519242">1995 'Refugees hide grim secrets', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 21 March, p. 5. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127519242</a>
21/06/1995
2010: Companion House Moves to Cook
In June 2010 Companion House moved location from O’Connor to Cook.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/48">Companion House. (2010). 2009 – 2010 annual report.</a>
2010
2009: Companion House 20th Anniversary
On December 10th 2009 Companion House celebrated 20 years with a festive evening including speeches, performances and refreshments.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/48">Companion House. (2010). 2009 – 2010 annual report.</a>
10/12/09
1995: Onsite Medical Services Established
1995 - The agency established an onsite medical service and health reviews and integrated this with counselling services.
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/%20">Companion House. Retrieved October 12, 2017, from http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/</a>
2017
2009: Health Projects
Companion House ran two major health projects: The Healthy Communities Project and The Young Men Growing Project.<br /><br /><strong>The Healthy Communities Project</strong> focussed on health education for adults. The project covered topics of nutrition, a broad range of healthy activities, hydration and of course emerging communities.<br /><br />‘<strong>The Young Men Growing Project</strong> focused on sport and dance activities with young African men’. Over 150 people from the Sudanese, Sierra Leone and Karen communities were involved in the projects from 2008-2009.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/47">Companion House. (2009). 2008 – 2009 annual report.</a>
2009
2009: Housing Trouble in Canberra
Lack of affordable housing continued to be a problem in Canberra, however with the Refugee Transitional Housing Program helped in alleviating some of the problem in regards to finding housing for refugees.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/47">Companion House. (2009). 2008 – 2009 annual report.</a>
2009
2009: ACT Human Rights Act
In 2009 ‘Companion House became the first non-government organisation to opt into the ACT Human Rights Act, agreeing voluntarily to be bound by the Act’.<br /><br />Read more about the ACT Human Rights Act here: <a href="http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2004-5/current/pdf/2004-5.pdf">http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2004-5/current/pdf/2004-5.pdf</a>
<a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/">Companion House. (2017). Our History. [online] Available at: http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/ [Accessed 22 Oct. 2017].</a>
2009
2008: World Refugee Soccer Day
2008 marked the first year in which the Mon and Karen communities had participating teams in Companion House’s Refugee Soccer Day match, along with the Sierra Leone and Sudan teams. Sierra Leone won the first match against the Sudanese team 6-2, and the Mon team won against the Karen team 3-0. All the teams played well and the final victory went to the Sierra Leone team, winning 2-3 against the Mon team. The Sudanese and Karen team also had a match with the Sudanese team winning 3-2.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/14">Companion House. (2008). Companion House Newsletter Issue 2 October 2008</a>
2007: Mon Community in Cultural Transition Project
The Mon community was a small and young demographic so this program was started to give them assistance in regard to parenting and cultural transition for all members of family. Mon women experienced difficulties when it came to parenting due to a lack of extended family. Meanwhile the men were experience serious cross-generational issues and a need for different parenting skills in Australia, as well as literacy issues. The program was designed to give stronger potential for ‘Mon community to participate in the mainstream’, ‘build and share parenting skills in line with local welfare and legal system expectations’, enhance social skills in Mon children and help Mon women and children build new skills to assist them in cultural transition.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/20">Companion House. (2008). Companion House Newsletter Septmber 2007</a>
2007
1994: 'Refugees' Memories Revealed in Art' Exhibition at The Link Gallery: Natalia Silva Canberra Times Story.
25th June Monday – ‘The Link Gallery’ exhibited 44 refugee artworks until 2nd July and an article ‘Refugees’ Memories Revealed in Art’ was published in the Canberra Times on the 27th June, showcasing some of Natalia Silva’s artwork. Emma MacDonald sheds light on number of families already helped by TRANSACT over the three years that the organisation has been in operation, also highlighting that art therapy is useful in expression, and also helping refugees deal with their very traumatic experiences.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118174514">1994 'Refugees' memories revealed in art', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 27 June, p. 5. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118174514</a>
25/06/1994
2007: Karen Group Program
From August to December 2007 the Karen Group Program was run at CIT Reid to increase community bonding and build strength in the Karen community. The project was extremely successful and produced many great results. One Karen woman was able to get a job working as a contract interpreter at Centrelink in Karen language. Another women received a scholarship grant for ‘further training in Certificate IV in Employment and Training’ at CIT during the 2007/2008 study year. The program also provided help in getting two young Karen men driving lessons.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/20">Companion House. (2008). Companion House Newsletter September 2007.</a>
2007
2007: Refugee Transitional Housing Program
Companion House developed the Refugee Transition Housing Program as part of a ‘tripartite agreement with ACT Housing and CatholicCare to provide transitional housing for six months for refugees and asylum seekers’. The program aimed to relieve the stress experienced by refugees when buying housing. The program was made available to new humanitarian entrants to the ACT. When the program first opened it offered eight houses that families could stay in for up to six months, during this time they ‘housed 10 families or groups from Sudan, Burma, Iraq, Palestine and Camaroon’.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/14">Companion House. (2008). Companion House Newsletter Issue 2 October 2008.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/">Companion House. (2017). Our History. [online] Available at: http://www.companionhouse.org.au/our-history/ [Accessed 22 Oct. 2017].</a>
2007
1993: Refugee Week: 'Canberra City Band'
19th June Saturday – Refugee Week Musical Launch ‘Canberra City Band’ Westfield Belconnen. TRANSACT gave a stage presentation.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127233227">1993 'SBS', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 17 June, p. 14. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127233227</a>
17/06/1993
2006: World Refugee Soccer Day
Companion House hosted a World Refugee Soccer day event with 300 people from refugee and soccer communities across Canberra showing up to participate in the event. One of the goals of the event was to bring the Sudan and Sierra Leone communities together. The event was a positive day for everyone involved. The Australian Federal Police Multicultural Unit attended the event to provide a BBQ, and also provided friendly interactions for the communities – providing a positive experience with police. At the end of the day the winning team was the Sierra Leone community who won with a score of 4-0.
<a href="http://companionhousehistory.org/admin/items/show/27">Companion House. (2006). 2005 – 2006 annual report.</a>
2006
2006: Cooking, eating and sharing
This project was developed to work with the Sudanese and Sierra Leone Communities in order to develop stronger social connections and increase access to African food stuffs. Both women’s and young men’s groups were held over the year where they could share and learn knowledge of traditional cooking and nutrition. There were several trips to Sydney to get foodstuffs. The young men’s groups also participated in ‘regular sessions using Families in Cultural transition (FICT) to build their skills in making cultural transitions’.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/27">Companion House. (2006). 2005 – 2006 annual report.</a>
2006
1993: Refugee Week: Liv Ullmann National Press Club
23rd June Wednesday – Refugee Week lunch with guest speaker Liv Ullmann at National Press Club Barton. Liv Ullmann is a Norwegian actress and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. TRANSACT gave a presentation at 7:30pm that same day.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127234389">1993 'SBS', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 23 June, p. 20. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127234389</a>
2006: Women’s Health and Future
High levels of Vitamin D deficiencies had been experienced in the community, to assist with this Companion House decided to develop a program for women. Issues cited by the women were; ‘lack of exposure were a lack of opportunity for sun exposure, places to exercise and social isolation amongst some Muslim women with refugee backgrounds’. The program worked to increase confidence, improve access to places to exercise and get sun exposure, as well as increasing awareness about vitamin D intake and bone health.
‘The program ran weekly gym and aqua aerobics classes for the most of the year’, and also organized health promotion sessions to target specific health issues. Several excursions and social activities were also planned as a part of the program.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/27">Companion House. (2006). 2005 – 2006 annual report.</a>
2006
1993: THEATRE: 'Death and the Maiden' Cast Call in The Canberra Times
19th April Monday – Advertisement in The Canberra Times, seeking participants for a production of ‘Death and the Maiden’ by Ariel Dorfman (Chilean) TRANSACT placed word in the paper asking for those who want to be involved in their planned production of Dorfman’s classic for the duration of Refugee Week.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126983269">1993 'From the absurd to collected comics', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 19 April, p. 22. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126983269</a>
19/04/1993
2004: Events for Children
As with all years Companion House offered events specifically designed for children. In 2004 these events included sports, rock climbing and a trip to the South Coast during the summer. They also ran holiday day programs.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/25">Companion House. (2004). 2003 – 2004 annual report.</a>
2004
2004: Groups and projects
During 2004 Companion House held a number of groups and projects:<br /><br /><strong>Men’s groups</strong> – In 2004 there were several men’s groups held. One was a psyco-educational group that assisted with depression and related conditions, creating a supportive environment and working through coping strategies. There were also art groups held at the Belconnen Community Centre. <br /><br /><strong>Women’s groups</strong> – Activities in the women’s groups focussed on light exercise sessions to help assist with somatised distress and self care.<br /><br /><strong>Gardening Group</strong> – A gardening group was formed in conjunction with Belconnen Community service. They created a garden at Companion House and took multiple excursions out to gardens and nurseries around Canberra.<br /><br /><strong>Writing Project</strong> – Once again a writing group was held. Thirty people from a diverse range of backgrounds came together to participate in the writing project where they practiced writing.<br /><br /><strong>Consultative Groups</strong> – Several consultative groups were formed with the Mon and Sudanese community. These groups focussed on transcultural mental health issues, community needs and future service development.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/25">Companion House. (2004). 2003 – 2004 annual report.</a>
2004
1992: TRANSACT AGM: Guest Speaker Roberta McRae
27th August Thursday – TRANSACT Annual General Meeting with guest speaker Roberta McRae. Roberta McRae was a former Australian Politician and the 1990 recipient of the Order of Australia Medal for service to Migrant Assistance. This advertisement is from The Canberra Times, published on Monday 24th August 1992.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137175226">1992 'The Canberra Times FRIDGE DOOR', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 24 August, p. 16. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137175226</a>
27/08/1992
2003: The BRITA Project : Building Resilience in Transcultural Adolescents
The BRITA Project was designed from an ‘international review of group based activities to promote young people’s life skills’. The project was initially designed in Queensland. From 2003 and 2004 Companion House took charge of implementing the project in Canberra.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/22">Companion House. (2003). 2002 – 2003 annual report.</a>
2003-2004
2003: Triple J Real Appeal
In 2001 $10, 000 from Triple J ‘Real Appeal’ were given to the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma. Donations were used to organize two very successful bus trips for children and their families with over 100 participants. In the winter a trip to the snow was held, and in the summer there was a trip to the beach. The funds also assisted in developing work with young men aged 13-20, a group that Companion House had previously not been able to give special attention to.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/22">Companion House. (2003). 2002 – 2003 annual report.</a>
2001
1992: 'Focus for Community Activities' Published in The Canberra Times
8th March Sunday – ‘Focus for Community Activities’ article published in The Canberra Times, article refers to TRANSACT being one of the many community based, sole-use tenants of the Griffin Centre. As part of the Griffin Centre write up, the page displays multiple immigrant and refugee outreach programs and illustrates how important places like the Griffin Centre are to the Community.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122402587">1992 'Focus for community activities', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 8 March, p. 8. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122402587</a>
08/03/1992
1992: PUBLISHED! TRANSACT Health Kit.
A 19 page illustrated guide is published by TRANSACT. “TRANSACT health kit : a guide for doctors and health professionals in providing treatment to survivors of torture and trauma / Torture Rehabilitation and Network Service ACT”
Torture Rehabilitation and Network Service ACT 1992, TRANSACT health kit : a guide for doctors and health professionals in providing treatment to survivors of torture and trauma, TRANSACT, Turner, A.C.T
1992
1991: Break In at TRANSACT
19th June Wednesday – A small article in The Canberra Times written by Marion Frith, expresses the frustration TRANSACT are experiencing following a break in and all funds (Cash Tin) stolen, whilst they had clients depending on these resources.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118151735">1991 'ON PAGE THREE', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 19 June, p. 3. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118151735</a>
1990: Workshop on Torture and Rehabilitation Advertisement in The Canberra Times
2nd October Friday – A short advertisement in The Canberra Times ‘Fridge Door’ information section, advertising Workshops being run by TRANSACT Half Day Workshop on Torture and Rehabilitation at Griffin Centre on Saturday 6th October, 9am -1pm for volunteers at the cost of $15, $10 and $8.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122314448">1990 'Fridge Door', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 2 October, p. 14. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122314448</a>
1990: 'ACT Government's Community Grants Scheme' Grant Received!
24th March Saturday – Grant received! TRANSACT received $20,000 from the ‘ACT Government's community grants scheme’ to train a network of health professionals. Joan Morris’ ‘Grant for Torture Therapy’ article published in Canberra Times, 24th March explains why and how the money will benefit Canberra refugee victims of torture and trauma with some brief estimates of statistics based on interstate organisations of similar practice.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120887512">1990 'Grant for torture therapy', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 24 March, p. 2. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120887512</a>
24/03/1990
1990: 'Lives Scarred by the Terror of Torture' Chi & Anh's Stories Published in The Canberra Times
29th October Monday – ‘Lives scarred by the terror of torture’ Megan Bird article published on Chi & Anh’s Vietnamese Communist Regime stories. The horrific account of two Vietnamese woman who witnessed and endured unimaginable torture at the hands of the anti-communist regime. Both woman, now living in Canberra, are actively involved with TRANSACT and want to raise awareness during Amnesty International Week. The article explains its process for slow development as to not become overwhelmed with cases, based on two other organisation’s experiences. TRANSACT has been gradually gathering volunteers and holding training sessions to help an estimated 1400-2000 victims within the ACT area.
<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122320252">1990 'FEATURES Lives scarred by the terror of torture', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 29 October, p. 11. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122320252</a>
29/10/1990
1989: First AGM Held: Gloria Oyarzun's Story Published in The Canberra Times
15th July Saturday – FIRST AGM HELD: Gloria Oyarzun Story published in Canberra Times. The story ‘Nightmare Memories of Chilean Torture’ written by Amanda Lynch, tells of Gloria Oyarzun’s harrowing ordeal, having suffered torture and rape by the Chilean Secret Police during coup to overthrow the Allende Government in 1973, on January 16th 1974 she was taken at age 21. In the middle of the story Lynch mentions the first Annual General Meeting for TRANSACT to be held at 7:30pm that same evening as the story was published.
<a href="http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122282887">1989 'Nightmare memories of Chilean torture', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 15 July, p. 4. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122282887</a>
15/07/1989
1989: TRANSACT advertise in The Canberra Times for their first AGM
4th July Tuesday – TRANSACT advertisement in The Canberra Times for their first AGM. A short piece featured in the ‘Fridge Door’ section of ‘A daily guide to life in the national capital’. The article gives a short description of the organisation’s purpose and invites members of the local community to get involved.
<a href="http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122280552">1989 'Fridge Door', The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 4 July, p. 16. , viewed 23 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122280552</a>
04/07/1989
1989: TRANSACT is Born
February – TRANSACT’s first formal meetings were held to form the organisation.
02/1989
2009: Companion House 20th Anniversery Children’s Display
As part of celebrations of Companion House’s 20th anniversary a visual display was created by six children from the Mon, Karen, Irawi, Dinka and Sierra Leone refugee communities. The art piece was a colourful creative exhibit that portrayed the children’s experience of coming to Australia. The children worked together for six weeks developing and working on the project together. The children were keen to ‘give back’ to Companion House and were excited to add art that made ‘the room beautiful’. The art piece contained brightly colour silhouettes of the children and matching coloured ribbons that represented their journey through a cardboard Companion House model. The art was left up for the duration of the celebration, after which it was taken down and the children were given the pieces they had created back. Each child was also presented with certificates and their family was given feedback on the project.
<a href="https://companionhousehistory.org/exhibits/show/publications/item/16">Companion House. (2010). Companion House Newsletter May 2010</a>
02/12/2009