Working in partnership with children,
families and community

Who we are

NI-Connect is managed by Key Assets (Australia) a non-government, not for profit children’s services agency, that is committed to creating a child safe organisation.

The team at NI-Connect includes social workers, an administration officer and a psychologist who between them have extensive experience in working with children and their families.

To view our Purpose and Pledges, please visit the Key Assets website at www.keyassets.com.au

The name of the service, NI-Connect, was chosen by children of NI Central School (NICS).

Ask us a question

What we do

The Child and Family Wellbeing Team can help with:

Information, advice and activities about parenting, life skills, health and wellbeing
Information, support and guidance in responding to developmental milestones for children and young people
Fun and cultural activities for children and young people connecting children, young people and families to other services they may need
Counselling for children and young people experiencing anxiety or facing other challenges
Specialist support for children and young people at risk of harm and their families
Crisis accommodation arrangements for victims of domestic and family violence

If you would like to find out more about what we do please call us on 23380 or after hours on 51115 or email childwelfareofficer@keyassets.com.au

Working with Norfolk Island’s families in today’s world

Our Team

James Isles

State Director NI & NSW

I am the Director of NSW & NI commencing in this role in Key Assets from March 2020. I hold a Masters of Social Work and moved to Australia in 2009 having worked in Blackpool, North West of England. I also bring 16 years of experience in child protection, out of home care, youth mental health and adoption.
I come to Key Assets from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, having been the Service Manager for headspace Bondi Junction; a hugely successful service supporting over 1200 young people alone in 2019. My commitment to young people and families is demonstrated in the success of the previous work done at The Benevolent Society (child protection & OOHC) and headspace Bondi Junction. Implementation, change management and leading innovative services would be my key strengths as well as maintaining great outcomes for young people, families and staff who I have worked with.

I am very fortunate in my role to be able to work closely with the NI community, ensuring that we can work in collaboration in delivering a quality service that will provide lasting outcomes for families, and children and young people.

P: Sydney - (02) 8336 5700
E: James.Isles@Keyassets.com.au

Stephanie Fielder

Operations Manager

I am the Child and Family Wellbeing Operations Manager based on NI. I began working for NI-Connect in December 2020 and I have a Bachelor of Arts (majors in psychology and anthropology), Graduate Certificate of Management, and a Master of Business Administration.
I am an experienced senior leader having worked for almost 30 years across a variety of roles in child protection and family support as well as broader social services. The majority of my career has been working for state and commonwealth public sector agencies across urban, regional and remote settings in the United Kingdom, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.

I am committed to social justice principles and have a strong record of delivering better outcomes for children and families through inclusive processes and collaborative partnerships.

P: Norfolk Island – (0011) 6723 23380
E: Stephanie.Fielder@Keyassets.com.au

Vida Tebyani

QASI Manager

I started working with Key Assets as the QASI Manager for NI-Connect in December 2018. My role involves working closely with the NI-Connect team in reviewing and updating policies and procedures to ensure that they support staff practice as well as continue to meet any legislative and regulatory requirements. I am also responsible for developing new policies for services such as Crisis Accommodation and Holiday Well Being Program.

I have a BA in Social Sciences, Diploma’s in Social Welfare and Management, and training and assessment qualifications. I have worked in the community services sector for over 20 years mainly in child and family services and have extensive experience working with multicultural and diverse communities to promote access and equity and developing a range of community development and capacity building initiatives to support their needs. I also worked with the National Child Care Accreditation Council.

I am passionate about social justice issues, promoting access and equity, and working with communities to ensure quality service provision and continuous improvement strategies and developing innovative models of service delivery.
When I’m not working I enjoy going to dinners, dancing, afternoon walks and getting involved in community initiatives that I’m passionate about.

Rebecca Carleton

Program Manager

Rebecca joined the NI-Connect team in April 2022 as our Child Wellbeing Caseworker. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Social Work from University of NSW (completed in 2008). She has worked in a variety of Social Work roles across Sydney including out-of-home care recruitment, assessment and case management, post adoption tracing and family reunification, international parental child abduction support, child welfare,kinship care and university liaison for Social Work students.

Rebecca's family moved to Norfolk Island in January 2022 and are loving getting to know the Island and the wonderful community. When she is not working, she is enjoying spending time with her family and getting outdoors relaxing at the beach, going for bush walks and catching up with friends.

Victoria Fenton

Project & Operations Support Officer

I am the Key Assets Project Officer for NI-Connect based in Sydney and I have a Bachelor of Commerce (majors in Management Consultancy and Marketing), and a Masters of Social Work.
While studying, I originally I worked in Key Assets (QLD) as a youth worker, supporting children experiencing complex behavioural needs and children with disabilities. During this time I also completed a 3 month full time placement in the Key Assets (QLD) office as a Student Social Worker, supporting Intensive Foster Care Placements.
After completing my degree I transferred to the KA Sydney team as a Social Worker in 2016 where I supported the stability of complex needs foster placements. In September 2019 I was successful in applying for the NI-Connect Project Officer role. My day-to-day job tasks are varied and no day is the same. I spend a lot of my time providing background support to our amazing staff who are based on the Island through developing marketing services, assisting with specific projects and working with the team in policy development and implementation.
I am lucky to be able to work with and learn from a community like NI, which is so unique, resilient, and strong. I often travel to and from the Island, which I now coin as one of my favourite places to visit and learn about the Island’s native flora and fauna – including the Island’s wonderful sea-life.

Shirl McLeod

Family Support Worker

My name is Shirleen, but everyone knows me as “Shirl”. I am currently studying and I have long term local experience in working in teams through a variety of roles related to administration and customer services. In addition, I have extensive experience in child care and most recently I have also gained experience in disability support work and volunteer family support work.

I commenced my role as a Family Support Worker with NI-Connect in December 2020 and I am a Norfolk Islander with extensive networks on the island. I have a great desire to contribute to the local community through my role at NI-Connect by providing my local experience, knowledge and skills to ensure that we can facilitate better access for children and families to support services without fear or stigma.

When I am not working, I value the time I spend with my family and sons (and of course my puppies!)

Ann Pataki

Business Support Coordinator

Ann and her husband visited the Norfolk Island for one week in 2017. The Island left such a lasting impression on them that she and her husband sold up everything in Adelaide and relocated permanently here in July 2019.

Ann has worked in Commonwealth , State and Local Governments and private sectors for over 20 years in various roles including Administration, Audit and taxation. Ann began working for NI-Connect in September 2020 as an Administration Officer, and she has fast become a valued member of our team.

In her spare time Ann likes to go for drives and walks and sit quietly, taking in the wonderful scenery all over the island.

Clayton Doyle

Child Youth and Engagement Officer

I am Clay and I recently joined the NI-Connect team as a Child Youth and Engagement Officer. This role involves him supporting children, young people, and families across the programs that NI-Connect deliver. Some of this work may include working with young people and families, or working on larger projects geared towards the whole community. I am currently studying and have completed a Certificate IV in Education Support. I joined the NI-Connect team after many years working in Education, supporting students with complex and challenging behaviour needs, students with disabilities and mental health challenges, disengaged youth, and co-ordination and implementation of various programs. I relocated to Norfolk Island at the start of 2022 with my family, moving from Far North Queensland and taking an initial role at Norfolk Island Central School.

I am passionate about helping young people and adults and advocating for them to become resilient and strong human beings. I consider my work very rewarding and I am committed to building a rapport with young people and engaging respectfully with their families. I am especially motivated by the rewards that come from supporting, nurturing, and helping young people to shape their future, reach their goals, and develop the skills to make positive and healthy changes in their lives. I am really looking forward to becoming an active part of the Norfolk Island community by working with children and young people, and their families.

Brigette Graham

Support Worker

Hi, my name is Brigette, and I joined the NI-Connect team part time in June 2022 as the Holiday Wellbeing Program Coordinator. Being able to design, create and roll out a program each school holiday is exciting and rewarding. I’m very lucky that I get to work with children, families, and a great support team here at NI-Connect and Key Assets.

I was born on Norfolk Island and am of Pitcairn descent, making me a Norfolk Islander. I completed all my schooling on Norfolk Island. My working background consist of many different roles and certifications from hospitality, retail, tourism, management, accounting, administration, IT and childcare. One of my highlights was owning and operating a childcare centre on the island for 11 yrs. I have always been interested and passionate about supporting children’s development and education. I am involved in several volunteer committees and groups. I have been part of the Girl Guide movement here on Norfolk Island, achieving my Queens Guide. Norfolk is a very special place with an amazing community and people. I’m very proud of my heritage, culture, and island home. During my spare time I like to be in the garden, at the beach or spending time with family and friends.

Using the centre

This is your Centre and we welcome community groups to use the space during the day and also after hours. There are private meeting rooms as well as a large community space. Rooms can be booked free of charge.

What’s On

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Holiday And Wellbeing Program September 2024

The NI-Connect Holiday Wellbeing Program delivers a variety of interesting and enriching activities designed to give children a range of experiences and opportunities during the school holidays—a chance to try something new, enjoy cultural activities, and, most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

Once again, the Team at NI-Connect has been busy creating another program with a huge number of activities and adventures. We did not let the colder winter hold us back in creating learning, sparking interest, and having fun and adventure with the children. Once again, we had a good number of children access the program from Prep to Year 6, some for a few days and some for the whole eight days.
The first week started on Monday, September 16th, with a prep to Year 2 enjoying a book reading from author Annie Kenny about Mitti the duck. The children were also in for a special treat to have Mitti the duck come along for the visit, and they were able to pat her. Yr 3—Yr 6 explored the art of gymnastics with Silji.
Tuesday 17th Prep – Yr 2 St Johns Visit / Hospital Yr3 – Yr 6 – healthy food activity with dietitian Karen Innes-Walker – Afternoon craft activity, recycled wine bottles to tea light candle holders, getting ready for Halloween witch tea light candles and fabric painting a square which will be created into a wall hanging for the NI-Connect office. With the healthy food activity, children made some yummy healthy rice paper rolls and learnt about healthy food habits. At the St Johns shed, Lynn and Janine answered some very good questions from the children, and they got to practice carrying someone, bandaging and exploring the inside of the ambulance. They also had fun washing their hands with special stuff which showed the gems left on your hand under a black light.
Wednesday 18th Sept – Prep – Yr 2 Gymnastics Yr-3 – Yr6 – Bus to parish centre Lazer tag and walked to the maze for a maze race.
Thursday 19th Kingston Day, water slide field games, sandcastle building exploring the water’s edge at cemetery beach and some fun outdoor sports games.
Highlights from the first week were the visit from a live duck and of course, the water slide, which is always hard to beat.
The 2nd week started on Monday 23rd with a rather wet and rainy morning. Our activity to go to Botanical Garden and Palm Glenn to explore the Great Southern BioBlitz with the parks team had to be cancelled and the children kept dry and warm in Rawson Hall with music, games and drawing activities. The sun came out for the last hour, and we were able to get outside in some fresh area and burn off some built-up energy.
Tuesday 24th Kingston day – another fun full day with the water slide and field games in the morning and golf, fishing and Kingston treasure hunt in the afternoon. What an amazing day it was with the most beautiful weather! The children had a ball and left in the afternoon exhausted.
Wednesday 25th Bus scavenger hunt day…. This day always creates so much fun and excitement as children must answer the clues to lead them to places all over the Island, where they then have to collect answers. Thanks to the support again from Pinetree Tours, 3 bus loads, a mad dash all over Norfolk and a lot of laughter could be heard coming. This time they had a few new and expecting places to visit including the police station, Parks headquarters, NI-Connect office and Cassie at Island Eggs where they had to find a golden egg amongst the chickens.
Thursday 26th Sept Prep – yr 2 – healthy food activity with dietitian Karen Innes-Walker, Yr 3 – Yr 6 St Johns Visit / Hospital in the morning and in the afternoon, children played an arrangement of outdoor games and sports. This time at the St Johns shed children had the same kinds of activities, but this time James was there to help older children check their pulse with machines in the ambulance and took them for a drive back to Rawson Hall for some added fun. All these children came back with slings and bandages on, which they used to play tricks on with their parents.
Highlights from the second week were, once again of course the water slide Kingston activities and the ambulance ride.

Once again, the two weeks were full of fun, excitement, creativity and laughter. It was another amazing program that continues to grow and develop, and we are thankful for all those who continue to support and assist us in delivering this program.

A massive thank you to the incredibly generous individuals, families, and businesses who helped make the Holiday Wellbeing Program such a success…

Pinetree Tours Government House/ KAVHA
Karen Innes-Walk (Dietitian)
Annie Kenny, Mitti (duck) & Family,
St Johns – Lynn Mosley & James Garden
NIHRACS & Janine Nobbs
Norfolk Island Wave Recycling Centre

Norfolk Island Regional Council
Cassie & Island Eggs
Norfolk Island National Parks
Ryan Crane
Paradise Hotel
Tosca & The Bakery
Dale – Bounty Folk Museum

Natasha & Grant – The Maze
Norfolk Island Police
Silje Monsson – Iwi Allstars
Agnes Hain & The Bounty Centre
Norfolk Island Golf Club

To our casuals and young leaders, we are so grateful for how much effort you put into making sure all the kids have fun.

Daniel Anderson
Amy Quintal
Harley Massey
Emma Holland
Emma Kalangis
Tahlia Marshman
Cash Mills
Theo Watson
Tracey Graham
Eliza Holland
Lola Robinson

Tighe Judd
Cassie McCoy
Kevin Knapp
Tilly Menzies-Thompson
Nicole Gow
Sebastian Grant
Shae French
Elliana Henderson
Poppy Sprag
Alyssa Anderson
Lisa Smith

Rawson Buffett
Debbie McGregor
Lukas Andrew
Zechariah Pettet
Ryan Buffett-Cooper
Taylah Chambers
Telani Schmitz
Tyla Schmitz
Ella Le Mura

NI-Connect are already in the process of planning the next Holiday Wellbeing Program (dates to be advised) . Would you like to work for the program? Do you have any unique skills or knowledge that you would like to pass on to the next generation through workshops or activities? If so, then we would love to hear from you!

NI-Connect on Taylors Road at the Bounty Centre. Or please call or email us directly on: Call 23380 or brigette.graham@keyassets.org.au

Acknowledgement: NI-Connect’s child and family wellbeing services are funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

FAQS

Who is eligible?

This service is available for families with children up to the age of 18, who are living on Norfolk Island. Young people over the age of 18 seeking advice and support are also encouraged to access our service for free and confidential advice and support.

What are the fees?

This service is free of any charges.

How do I access the service?

Families can access the service via Booked appointments and drop-in 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday, self-referral, or through informal word of mouth referral from a friend, family member, school, GP, police or other community service.

Where are you located?

NI-Connect and the Child and Family Wellbeing Team are located on Taylors Road at the Bounty Centre. We are staffed Monday to Friday and encourage parents and families to drop in for a coffee, or to chat with the staff. Booked appointments and drop-in is available.

Future referrals

If you would like to make an appointment or would like more information about the services the Norfolk Island Child and Family Wellbeing Team provide, please call us on 23380 or after hours on 51115 or email childwelfareofficer@keyassets.com.au

Key partnerships

At times, the Child and Family Wellbeing Team will establish key partnerships with other services, including co-location in shared premises. One key partnership includes a dedicated space for Letl Salan Toy Library, to increase community access to toys and equipment for families with small children.

Other free and confidential services

You can also access confidential off-Island support and advice by calling:

1800RESPECT (phone 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au) – a free and confidential national sexual assault and domestic family violence counselling service

Kids Helpline (phone 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au) – a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25, as well as their parents or carers.

Downloads & Resources

Form 5 – Mandatory Report FOrm General Complaint Form Child Friendly – Children and Young People Complaint Form Ni-Connect Feedback Form Holiday Wellbeing Program (HWP) Enrolment Form HWP Parent Information Sheet Norfolk Island Children, Young People and Families Service Directory UN Convention of Children's Rights

Contact Us

NI-Connect and the Child and Family Wellbeing Team are located on Taylors Road at the Bounty Centre. We are staffed 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday and encourage parents and families to drop in for a coffee, or to chat with the staff. Booked appointments and drop-in is available.

Call us on 23380 or after hours on 51115
Free Call 0222
If calling from outside Norfolk Island
please add the prefix 00116723

At NI-Connect we welcome your feedback so that we can ensure that we are meeting the needs of the local community. To provide your feedback, please see the “NI-Connect Feedback Form” within the Downloads section. Alternatively, please drop by the NI-Connect office to request a copy of our printed version

Email Us

CONTACT INFO

If you would like to make an appointment
or would like more information about the
services please contact the office.

Call us on 23380 or after hours on 51115
Free Call 0222
If calling from outside Norfolk Island
please add the prefix 00116723