MAGAZINE
BAPTISTCARE TO DELIVER 500 COMMUNITY HOUSING UNITS HALO BALL GUESTS UNITE AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE HELPING THE HOMELESS: YOUR IMPACT ON THEIR DARKEST TIMES Winter Edition 2017 • www.baptistcare.org.au
Pages throughout this report have accompanying videos you can view by simply pressing the PLAY button.
You can also watch stories from across BaptistCare on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT
We are making some significant inroads into communities in Australia that I am very pleased to share with you in this edition of TRUST. On pages four and five you will read that BaptistCare was announced as a major provider of community housing, and we are well on track in our preparatory stages to delivering 500 housing units across NSW over the next three years. That is more than 500 seniors and families who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness, as they seek to obtain housing in a private rental market that many of you would know to be unattainable. Our recent Halo Ball, raising funds for women and children who have been impacted by domestic and family violence, was none other than inspiring. The commitment of the people in the room that night reminded me that with our God, nothing is impossible.
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Let me share with you a little of the welcome message from that night: “In Australia, an incident of domestic violence is reported to police every two minutes. In the 5 hours we will be together this evening, 150 calls for help will be made.
Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
will not contact the police at the time of the abuse, how many more will continue to suffer in silence tonight? And tomorrow? Domestic and family violence is a painful issue in our communities. The situation is greater than BaptistCare could have ever anticipated when we first began working in this area, 30 years ago. Building safer families is central to our work at BaptistCare.” I know that the issues we are tackling together are some of the largest and toughest that our nation has to deal with. Yet I also know that people like you; our churches, donors, staff, volunteers and community of supporters, are not likely to shy away from what we believe is the right thing to do; to offer lifetransforming care in the name of Jesus.
Given that over half of the women who have experienced violence from an ex-partner
Editor - Elizabeth Byrne TRUST is the partners’ magazine produced by BaptistCare for its members, donors, supporters, clients, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and the wider community. TRUST is distributed quarterly.
A GENUINE FAITH I recently attended a launch about new research relating to Australians’ responses to religion and spirituality. The results are part of the new Faith and Belief in Australia report, produced by McCrindle Research, in partnership with Olive Tree Media and other groups. One of the particularly interesting findings revealed that Australians don’t respond as well to the testimonies of public figures and celebrities, and are instead more interested in seeing someone known to them living out a genuine faith. This is heartening news. It reminds us that sharing the love of Jesus (at least in the first instance) is more a matter of being ‘caught’ than ‘taught’. So within our circle of influence, each of us has the opportunity to build the kind of trusting relationship where our friends and colleagues become curious about our faith. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN
with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
like chocolate at Easter, heaven is a free gift’.
I heard a great example of this kind of relational evangelism from one of our Chaplains recently.
Why would an atheist come to an Easter service? Because of a trusted relationship with a Christian, who over time had demonstrated genuine love and faith!
One of the people he visits is an atheist - let’s call him Tom. Our Chaplain was talking to Tom about the Easter Service coming up. Tom said “When I think of Easter I think of chocolate”. Our Chaplain was positively challenged by this statement and decided to construct his Easter talk around how chocolate could possibly relate to Easter. Some days later our Chaplain talked to Tom and told him how he had influenced what the Chaplain was going to share and asked Tom to come along. Tom declined, but on the day of the service there was Tom, sitting down the back and listening intently. Our Chaplain talked about going ‘on an egg hunt to discover the Easter Message’ and that ‘you could be as sure as eggs that you were going to heaven and that,
Let’s make those relationships we all have, count for Jesus by demonstrating genuine love and faith and praying/waiting for those curious questions to come. TOP ATTRACTORS TO RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
16% 13% 12%
(strongly attract) Seeing people who live out a genuine faith Experiencing a personal trauma or life event Stories or testimonies from people who have changed due to their faith
TOP REPELLENTS TO RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
16% 13% 12%
(strongly repel) Philosophical discussion and debating ideas Miraculous stories Hearing from public figures and celebrities who are examples of that faith
www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2017
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NEW HOUSING PARTNERSHIP BAPTISTCARE TO DEVELOP SOCIAL AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In March it was announced that BaptistCare would partner with the NSW Government to develop and manage social and affordable housing, catering to those most in need across the state, through the Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF). The units will be developed on BaptistCare-owned land and BaptistCare will own and manage the portfolio. The contract with Government will be over a period of 25 years. The SAHF is a key component of the NSW Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW strategy that will result in more social and affordable housing dwellings linked to tailored support, to help households gain independence. BaptistCare is a registered Community Housing Provider under the National Regulatory System for Community Housing. The organisation has been providing affordable
housing since 1953, in recognition of the obstacles encountered by many individuals in gaining access to secure and affordable housing.
housing stress. The remaining 24% will be designated for single-parent families where access to affordable housing is critical to the parent maintaining employment or entering the workforce. The housing will be owned and actively managed by BaptistCare staff on site. It will also be integrated with BaptistCare’s suite of home services and community services, tailored to resident’s needs to empower them and help foster independence.
Of the 500 units to be built and managed by BaptistCare, 76% "The housing will be provided to seniors will be tailored experiencing
to resident’s needs to empower them and help foster independence"
The housing will be developed at eight sites across metro, regional and rural locations in New South Wales.
Planning is well progressed across seven of the eight sites, and development work is due to commence in 2018. The housing will be located in areas of need to help meet growing demand and build stronger communities.
OUR COMMUNITY HOUSING LOCATIONS Lismore
New Lambton Point Clare Springwood Goulburn
Five Dock Narellan Western Sydney www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2017
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FROM COUCH SURFING TO HER OWN HOME
Jaci, now 71, has been living in BaptistCare community housing for six years.
As BaptistCare builds 500 new community housing units across NSW (see pages 4 & 5), Jaci's story shows how secure and affordable housing can transform lives. Six years after moving out of her privately rented home to live with and help her daughter’s family, then 63 year old Jaci realised that the living arrangement was no longer healthy for her or the family. It was then that she found herself homeless. For the next two years, Jaci and her suitcase travelled up and down the countryside from the Southern Tablelands to Sydney. She tried not to overstay her welcome in the beds and on the couches of family and friends, moving on each time she felt she was intruding. “I lived out of my suitcase, and I felt like crap. I had to fit in with everyone else’s life, so I didn’t feel like I was imposing on them. In the back of my mind I was always wondering where I could go next.” 6
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Although always on the lookout for private rental accommodation anywhere between Canberra and Sydney, on her disability pension nothing was affordable.
Sydney. I felt like I’d been given a second chance; a new life.”
With Jaci desperate and almost at breaking point, she asked for her Government housing application to be reviewed.
Six years later, Jaci is an integral part of the Clinton Place community. She arranged the housing paperwork for her Sydney-based, isolated, and almost-immobile cousin, Dot, to join her and live at Clinton Place. Today Jaci helps to organise the gardening club and games club.
“A sweet lady took the time to explain to me that I hadn’t ticked the box giving me access to accommodation for seniors. I never felt like I was aged or needed aged care and I assumed I wasn’t eligible.”
A secure, affordable home means that Jaci no longer has to fade into the background, for fear of imposing on people. Her physical wellbeing and mental health has improved, and she has gained confidence and a new lease of life.
“I had my name down for Government housing, but that takes forever,” she notes.
“I finally have a home. I feel safe. I feel like I belong. I can stay here as I grow older and get help when I need it…This is the only place where the landlord is more concerned about the residents than the property. Jenny and her team genuinely care for our health and our needs, and they’ve provided me with a Housing is a priority real home.”
This opened up the opportunity for Jaci to be interviewed by Jenny, Manager at BaptistCare Clinton Place in Goulburn. BaptistCare had just developed another 33 low-cost housing units for seniors, and Jaci’s luck was about to change. “I read the letter from Jenny on the train, offering me a home, and I cried all the way up to
for BaptistCare. Press play to learn more.
You can read more about our housing on pages 14 & 15.
NEW BOOK CELEBRATES OLDER AUSTRALIANS BaptistCare Carey Gardens launches Important to me: Snapshots from elders in objects and stories In May 2017, BaptistCare hosted the launch of Important to me: Snapshots from elders in objects and stories, a book containing a series of stories about older Australians and a single meaningful object that each has kept with them throughout their lives. For several years, residents of BaptistCare Carey Gardens have enjoyed regular visits from the book’s author Pip McNaught, a prominent figure in Canberra’s arts community and a former curator of the National Museum of Australia. Pip invited BaptistCare residents in possession of objects of great personal significance, and some with social or historical significance, documenting each as part of a collection that would eventually become Important to me. Over scones and tea, the residents and staff of BaptistCare Carey Gardens joined Pip, Mr Gordon Ramsay MLA, Minister for Veterans and Seniors, Dr Mike Pickering from the National Museum of Australia, and school children from the local Red Hill Primary School to celebrate the launch of Important to me. BaptistCare Carey Gardens resident Audrey O’Connell proudly displayed her
object featured in Important to me – a wedding photograph from her double wedding with her sister, in 1945. Julie Grant, Diversional Therapist at BaptistCare Carey Gardens, commented, “It’s wonderful to see our residents connecting with each other, staff, and friends and family when they participate in these projects. As they discuss and compare the histories of these interesting objects, it provides an opportunity for connection; a moment of mutual interest, engagement and lively conversation.” “It was great to see everyone in the room, from BaptistCare staff to the Red Hill Primary children, learning from the stories and experiences
of the older Australians residing at BaptistCare,” added Jill Dexter, Residential Manager at BaptistCare Carey Gardens. “We’re proud to promote intergenerational respect and understanding amongst our local community and to participate in projects like Pip’s book, which focus on enriching the lives of our senior residents through social connection.” The project is part of the ACT government’s “Health and Heritage” programs for seniors, and part of BaptistCare’s commitment to explore how we can improve the quality of life and social wellbeing of elderly Australians through cultural engagement and intergenerational links with peers, family and local communities.
Valda (L) and Audrey (R), who had a double wedding in 1945, and both live at BaptistCare Carey Gardens.
HALO BALL GUESTS UNITE
AGAINST DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE Over 480 social influencers and guests attended the second annual Halo Ball in Sydney on Friday 26 May, united in support of women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. Over 480 social influencers and guests attended the second annual Halo Ball in Sydney on Friday 26 May, united in support of women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
was undoubtedly BaptistCare’s long-term client, Mary*, whose personal story highlighted the ongoing need for the vital frontline services for women and children who are living in pain and seeking to escape and The special event, hosted by rebuild their lives, free BaptistCare at Doltone from violence, fear and House Jones Bay "Women control. Wharf in Pyrmont,
and their families
celebrated the Guests were traumatised by courage and shown a short domestic violence resilience of film of her story, need the care women and in which she had their children, and support of asked to remain while raising anonymous; her professional much needed funds face hidden from services." for those women the camera as who are impacted by she spoke of a life the national epidemic that is of enforced silence, domestic and family violence. degradation and physical violence. With an incredible $100,000 raised for BaptistCare’s support services, guests enjoyed an evening of stellar live entertainment and an opportunity to make a difference to families and communities across Australia.
As the film ended, Mary took to the stage, no longer wanting to hide her face or her voice, and was introduced to the crowd.
Special guest of the evening
Clearly moved by her story,
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their applause throughout her speech served as validation of her continued courage in revealing her identity and rebuilding her life; a celebration of the freedom she has found through counselling support provided by BaptistCare for 13 years. “I really “lucked in” when I was referred to BaptistCare here in Sydney. Women and their families traumatised by domestic violence need the care and support of professional services. BaptistCare has provided me with that support for the past 13 years… Please don’t let the women and children feel forgotten and abandoned. And it should not be a matter of luck
BaptistCare General Manager Community Services, Rob Ellis
MC Deborah Knight
in getting the support that is required,” said Mary. Establishing a new tradition for the Halo Ball, the night began with a special performance from the Newtones, an a cappella group from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. The group provided another haunting rendition of Grammy award-winner Beyonce’s Halo, after performing at the first Halo Ball in 2016.
Accomplished MC, Channel Nine’s Deborah Knight guided the room through proceedings and shared the purpose of the evening with sensitivity and insight. Guests were educated, entertained, and encouraged to partner with BaptistCare to raise the vital funds needed to continue their work with domestic and family violence survivors. Highlight of the evening’s entertainment program was a stellar performance by ARIA Award nominated, RickiLee. Celebrated as one of Australia’s most exciting performing artists, she wowed the crowd with her flawless vocals and high energy dancing.
Ricki-Lee had the dance floor full early in the night
During a keynote speech BaptistCare’s General Manager and White Ribbon Ambassador, Mr Rob Ellis, stressed the importance of taking action now, as a
The NSW Police Rock Band community and as a nation. “The choices we make now, to get involved in addressing the epidemic of domestic and family violence, will have an impact. They will compound over time and deliver the future that we long for,” he said. “Tonight you have opportunities to build momentum around the national issue of domestic and family violence. The choices you make from today, in your thinking, your words and your actions, will help to build the future you long to see, the future we long to see.” As the Ball came to a close, guests again took to the dance floor helped by the collective talent of The NSW Police Rock Band, whose classic covers had them dancing into the night. And another Halo Ball tradition was born. Press play to watch Mary’s story
*Mary did not reveal her full identity, to ensure the ongoing protection of her privacy and that of her children.
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CROSSING BARRIERS THROUGH PASTORAL CARE BaptistCare continues to reconnect the community through our Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors Program, providing emotional and spiritual support to seniors receiving care and assistance. Our pastoral carers are great at seeing people in need and then responding. David Kim serves as a pastoral care visitor at a residential aged care centre and noticed Anne, a lady he’d met at devotions earlier, seemed depressed. As a Korean man, he hesitated to show her attention, thinking “Anne won’t understand my accent”. He said “hello”, and found she wanted to talk and be listened to. David is a brilliant listener. Feeling safe, Anne poured out her heart, sharing her fears about dementia
and how she was missing her husband.
David felt awkward praying with her in English, he stepped out and Anne was deeply Her tears flowed and moved. David then David sensitively invited her to go for allowed her to Culturally a walk with him unload her David and Anne in the garden. thoughts and They talked are different, but emotions. more and then they connected as Culturally David David invited her brother and sister and Anne are to dance with different, but him. She said yes in Christ they connected as and they danced. brother and sister in David left her laughing. Christ. Anne asked, “David “That time made the day so will you pray for me?” Although worthwhile”, says David.
Press play to see how the VPCV program changes lives
STUART’S STORY Stuart, a BaptistCare pastoral care visitor on the Mid North coast recounted a recent visit to Bill. “I visited Bill last week at Bulahdelah. The visit went well and as I was walking to my car I remembered I had a portrait of my wife Christine with me which I was taking to my daughter’s place.” As Stuart left, he said to Bill, “I have something to show you.” He unwrapped the portrait of Christine and stood and looked at it. Stuart told Bill his granddaughter Sophie had done it. Bill didn’t speak for a while, then lifted his head and asked if Sophie might do one of his wife. Stuart then told Bill about a boat he bought for Christine that arrived at his home the day after she died. Bill responded, “Have a look at this.” He then led Stuart to the garage showing him a project he had been working on for his wife. One she never got to experience; a red MG. Stuart recalled, “I found we had a lot in common. I then cried all the way home.” Sophie has agreed to do a portrait for Bill.
SPIRITUAL CARE SERIES LAUNCH It’s been two years in preparation and on 4 May, Gymea Baptist Church hosted the first presentation of a new pastoral care course. The Spiritual Care Series replaces our existing course and takes pastoral care training into a new era. The series comprises eight two hour episodes, which include 30 minutes of video content featuring Leigh Hatcher as the presenter. BaptistCare has developed both the participant workbooks and training package for this new training which will be available on-line. On 28 June the Aged Care Channel (ACC) launched the Spiritual Care Series nationally. Working with the ACC and the Baptist Association, we’ve ensured that NSW and ACT Baptist churches will have free access to the Spiritual Care Series and course. If you have a heart for people in your community and want to learn practical skills in providing emotional and spiritual support, please visit our volunteering page or contact Ross Wakeley on 0417 002 541 or email rwakeley@baptistcare.org.au
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L to R Carolyn Moir, Ross Low, Sarah Newman, Marleina Fahey & Dr Julie Bajic-Smith.
LAUNCHING BAPTISTCARE’S PALLIATIVE APPROACH National Palliative Care Week saw BaptistCare host its first Palliative Care In Aged Care Conference on Thursday 25 May, to celebrate and share the organisation’s Palliative Approach with registered nurses, aged care workers and home services employees from within BaptistCare and other service providers.
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Keynote speaker, and opening the program, was Dr Frank Brennan from St George and Calvary Hospitals. A respected palliative specialist and poet, he spoke about the importance of planning in the ‘Affirm’ stage of palliative care. He also shared some of his poetry with the delegates; a reminder to find beauty in each moment.
care to deliver support and care to residents with lifelimiting illnesses. BaptistCare’s response was to build a model of care, taking the Government’s Toolkit and adapting it for real application across the organisation’s residential aged care services.
“Palliative Care isn’t just about the end of life; it is about The conference then supporting residents and explored the ‘Balance’ their families across stage of palliative the journey of care, with Dr Tim "We really their illness,” says Luckett, senior Carolyn Moir, do believe in the lecturer in the power of respecting BaptistCare’s Faculty of Health Clinical at University and connecting Improvement of Technology Consultant, who with individuals" Sydney, looking at also appears in Care Conferencing BaptistCare's Palliative in an aged care setting. Approach video. Concluding the clinical program To deliver this support required was Dr Elspeth Correy, Palliative a flexible model that considers Medicine Specialist, who every step of that journey. The explored Medications at End approach needed to understand of Life, the ‘Comfort’ stage the changing nature of lifeof palliative care. limiting illness, and its impact Those in attendance agreed that the day was an excellent opportunity to share best practice, learn from specialists in the field, connect with colleagues from other providers, and explore how to offer a more holistic approach to endof-life care.
on the resident as well as their family. The result was the BaptistCare Palliative Approach, which ensures a person centred and family centred approach,
implemented with highly skilled care and service provision, and has three stages, the ABCs: Affirm, Balance, Comfort. BaptistCare’s CEO, Ross Low, believes the organisation’s palliative care approach is about knowing people, including customers, staff, volunteers and families. “We really do believe in the power of respecting and connecting with individuals,” he said, during the opening of the Palliative Care In Aged Care Conference. “This includes people who have been on the palliative journey with a loved one; those who are specialists in end of life care and those who are promoting innovative ways to support and comfort our clients in their journey.”
Press play for more of BaptistCare’s approach to palliative care
The conference content was first born back in 2015, when BaptistCare responded to the challenge presented by the Commonwealth Government’s Palliative Approach Toolkit, which called on aged care providers to increase the capacity within residential aged L to R: Barnetta Lesta, Dr Frank Brennan & Dr Tim Luckett
HOMELESSNESS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE “Railway bridges were looking good, or a good cliff was looking good to jump off.” These were the words of Colin, who never thought he would end up homeless and in a men’s shelter. But thanks to BaptistCare he has found permanent accommodation and a place he calls home. Born in Yass and growing up on a sheep farm in Dalton, NSW, Colin was 1 of 11 children. “Dad was away a lot working as a sheep shearer. He would leave home Sunday night and come home Friday night. We had lots of chores to do around the property. Before school, after school, weekends…we worked the property.” “At shearing time, we went to school. As soon as we came home, off with the school clothes and straight into the 14
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shearing shed helping Dad. We used to muster the sheep and bring ‘em in. During lambing season, we used to look after the lambs while Dad wasn’t home.”
“We had it pretty tough and then we had the big drought which lasted over five years. The bank said enough was enough, and Dad put the place up for sale and sold it.” During the drought, quite a few of Colin’s siblings had left home. Colin was working in Yass at the time and would go home on weekends to help his Dad. When the property was sold his Dad moved to Sutherland and worked for the council.
Colin was very close to his father and enjoyed spending time with In one of Colin’s happier him. “We were out baling hay memories, he remembers that one day and we sat down the neighbours had a big to have lunch and just fruit orchard. He and out of the blue he his siblings would go Colin started talking and pick the fruit found himself about the war from the branches in an emotionally (WWII). That that would hang memory sticks over the fence. abusive with me, what he Colin chuckles as and controlling said and what he he shares that the situation. went through. He neighbour wasn’t told me about his time very happy about this in New Guinea, the time and would chase them with he spent there and how he got his shotgun and fire it into the air. back home and everything else Life was tough, but then it and how he escaped not being got tougher. shot by the Japanese.” Colin says
he thinks about that a lot and gets strength from those memories. Colin soon followed in his father’s footsteps and moved to Sutherland and worked for the council for 32 years. “I started off as a labourer and worked my way up to construction foreman.” “Unfortunately a couple of things eventuated, which I regret now, and I went to Canada for 11 years. When I came home, I had one suitcase of clothes and $100 in my pocket.” Colin had met a woman on the internet where they had a relationship for two and a half years. Following a short holiday to meet her, Colin resigned his job, sold everything and moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. What Colin didn’t know at the time was his partner had a gambling problem and all of his savings were lost in the poker machines. The relationship deteriorated and Colin found himself in an emotionally abusive and controlling situation. Through the help of a friend who purchased his plane ticket Colin returned to Australia. After a month-long stay with his sister and another month-long stay with a mate, he wound up in a men’s homeless shelter in Goulburn and lived there for four months. That was the lowest point in Colin’s life. He never thought he would end up in a homeless shelter. Colin didn’t know where
Press play to see more of Colin’s story and his home in Goulburn
to turn or what to do. “Railway bridges were looking good, or a good cliff was looking good to jump off,” Colin said. But there was a woman who worked at the shelter. “I got to talking to her and she pulled me through it. She came to me one day and said, ‘I’ve got a place for you to move to. It’s up to you whether you want to move or not’”. That’s how Colin found BaptistCare Clinton Place. “When I moved in I had a suitcase, some pots and pans and some cutlery, and a little bit of food. Since then, I’ve built my life back up again. I stayed in a bed-sitter here for eight months. Then Jenny (the Manager of BaptistCare Clinton Place) came to see me one day and asked me if I wanted to move into this place here.” “It was a big relief when I got here…somewhere I liked, peaceful. When I came here, I had nothing. I’ve built my life up. I’ve had a lot of support from BaptistCare. The staff are very helpful and easy to talk to. I’ve met some good people here. I’ve been able to use some of
the services that BaptistCare supplies. I’ve been able to purchase myself a little car through the help of BaptistCare and a No Interest Loan (NILS).” “I’m a lot happier here now than what I was 12 months ago. I’ve changed my life around. I want to live til I’m 100. I’ve got goals I’m looking forward to now; I have a goal for a holiday. Hopefully more people can find places like this.” There are more people out there like Colin. The good news is that today, you and I can do something to help them. We promise you that… Your support will make sure we are there to help people in their darkest hour of need. You will provide practical help for someone who is homeless through care and counselling to deal with deeper personal issues, and help for someone who has lost everything due to financial troubles, disaster or personal crisis. And most of all your gift will ensure no one should have to ‘go it alone’ when they’re struggling through the darkest times of their life. Please use the envelope provided with this magazine and send your donation today, or visit baptistcare.org.au to donate online. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2017
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