Naa Marni Niipurna

Hello Friends

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

Kaurna

Kaurna Land spans from Crystal Brook in the north. Cape Jervois in the south, the Adelaide hills in the east and waters in the west. Kaurna land borders Nukunu, Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk, Narungga and Ngadjuri. The term ‘Kaurna’ likely finds 
it’s roots from the neighbouring Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri language, showing the closeness between Aboriginal lands.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Kaurna People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Kaurna People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

PERAMANGK

Peramangk country extends from the foothills above the Adelaide Plains, north from Mount Barker through Harrogate, Gumeracha, Mount Pleasant, and Springton to the Angaston and Gawler districts in the Barossa, and south to Strathalbyn and Myponga on 
the Fleurieu Peninsula. There are also sites along the River Murray to the east where Peramangk people had access to the river. “Peramangk” is a combination of words ‘Pera’ – place on the tiered range of mount lofty and ‘Maingker’ – red ochre skin warrior.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Peramangk People
and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Peramangk People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

Erawirung

Erawirung refers to the Yirawirung and Jirawirung people whose lands are located on the upper reaches of the Murray River in the Berri Riverland. The Riverland also refers to areas surrounding such as: Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Ngintait, Ngaralte, Ngarkat and small parts of Maraura and Daanggali.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Erawirung People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Erawirung People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

BOANDIK

Boandik country is located in the Mount Gambier region. “Boandik” or “Bunganditji” means ‘People of the Reeds’.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Boandik People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Boandik People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

kurdnatta

Kurdnatta country is located in the Port Augusta region. This area also includes the lands of the Barngarla and Nukunu people. “Kurdnatta” means ‘Place of Drifting Sand’.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Kurdnatta People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Kurdnatta People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Next
Next

We come together as RASA, a not-for-profit organisation that exists on the lands of Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu . Yartapuulti . Warraparinga . Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung . Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest continuous living culture. For more than 65,000 years the original custodians welcomed all people to their Lands. They taught us responsibility, reciprocity and connections to these lands, knowing we are all visitors to these places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of knowing these countries, to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders, their communities, their stories. When we learn about Country we recognise the care for the lands, skies, waters, plants, and animals that has always been a part of Aboriginal cultures.

We come together as RASA,
a not-for-profit organisation that
exists on the lands of
Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu .
Yartapuulti . Warraparinga .
Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung .
Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest
continuous living culture. For more
than 65,000 years the original
custodians welcomed all people to
their Lands. They taught us
responsibility, reciprocity and
connections to these lands,
knowing we are all visitors to these
places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of
knowing these countries, to recognise
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, their Elders,
their communities, their stories.
When we learn about Country we
recognise the care for the lands,
skies, waters, plants, and animals
that has always been a part of
Aboriginal cultures.

We are conscious of our privilege to be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege comes from the ongoing violation of these
lands which continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's

relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations peoples. The knowledge and wisdom we absorb inspires us to work restoratively,
with open-mindedness and holistically, to foster meaningful change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony depends on our ability as an organisation to listen, appreciate, collaborate, learn, and speak up.

We are conscious of our privilege to
be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege
comes from the ongoing violation
of these lands which continues to
harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people's relationships,
health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to
learn from the knowledge and
wisdom of First Nations peoples.
The knowledge and wisdom we
absorb inspires us to work
restoratively, with open-mindedness
and holistically, to foster meaningful
change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony
depends on our ability as an
organisation to listen, appreciate,
collaborate, learn, and speak up.

This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

This is, was and always will be,
Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

Tips for parents in temporary accommodation in a Motel

By Relationships Australia

A mother sits closely with her young child on a bed in a temporary accommodation setting, both holding a teddy bear.

Living in temporary accommodation, whether in a motel or temporary housing, brings unique challenges for families experiencing homelessness. It disrupts normal family routines and lifestyles and there is less space and privacy. 

Here are some tips to help you during your stay in temporary accommodation. We hope it helps you to better understand how and why your child may be behaving differently.  

Routines are important

While it may not be possible straight away, returning to familiar routines offers comfort and safety to your children. Watching a favourite TV show, enjoying preferred foods, or visiting familiar places can provide comfort and safety.  

 As space is limited, establish a ‘wind down’ routine with an activity like reading, drawing, or doing puzzles together to indicate when it is a bedtime. 

Take care of yourself

Give yourself some time to process what your family is going through. Allowing yourself enough time to process what you are going through will make it easier to help your children make sense of their own complex feelings. 

Help your children make sense of what is happening

Children may feel curious or concerned about the life changes. Reassure them that these changes are temporary and encourage them to express their worries.  

Let your kids know you’re there for them, providing both physical and emotional support. Create a safe space for them within the accommodation, through your reassurances, familiar toys, sticking to familiar activities and routines where possible.  

Some children may believe they caused family changes. It’s important to let them know it’s not their fault, and that you are there to support them.  

What you may see from children living in temporary accommodation

Age regression

Children might revert to old habits like thumb sucking, wetting pants, talking differently, or wanting to be with their parents all the time, due to big changes. These are common reactions. Respond calmly and kindly; your child may feel shy or worried sharing these behaviours 

Sleep disruption and feeling sick

Children may struggle with sleep, have stomach aches or headaches, especially if they’re too young to express feelings. To help, read stories, play music, cuddle, and offer comfort foods. They may need kind words and hugs for reassurance. 

Big behaviours

During significant changes, children may display intense feelings and behaviours. These could manifest as anger and outbursts due to worries and confusion.  

Stay calm when your child has strong emotions. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them of your support and love to enhance their sense of safety. 

When your child has strong feelings, they might not express their needs clearly. Check in with them later to ask how you can help next time any strong feelings arise.  

Suggestion activities that can help calm the feelings. Include activities like deep breaths, a comforting toy, sensory toys such as play-dough or a stress ball, or activities like pushing against a sturdy wall to release tension. Model calm responses and practice your strategies  as this will help support your child to manage their emotions. 

Withdrawing

Some children won’t express their feelings verbally or physically; they may be quiet, sleep more, present with stomach aches, or seem zoned out.  

Getting active can be useful for children who are withdrawn; take a walk or spend time outdoors. Provide  shared activities like drawing or writing or reading with them to help them express feelings if words are challenging.  

It is important to remember...

Every child is different. Children react uniquely to events, even if they share the same experiences. Some may become quieter or withdrawn, while others may act out.  

Regularly check in with your children and reassure them that they can come to you for support. 

How to get support

Relationships Australia SA offers a range of support services for families and parents. For more resources for children and parents visit Together 4 Kids. For local support services visit  Adults Supporting Kids (ASK). Visit Crisis Help + Support to find other trusted organisations that offer support for adults, children, and families.  

Service Acknowledgment

The Child Focused Support Service (Together4Kids) is provided by Relationships Australia SA and funded by the Government of South Australia, Department of Human Services, Housing Authority.

If you feel like you need extra support Relationships Australia SA also offers a range of services for families and children and youth that can help. Together4Kids provides therapeutic support to children aged 0–12 to help them: overcome trauma, strengthen children’s ability to deal with difficult feelings and reactions, and adjust to family changes and disruptions. Get in touch with us today.

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