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

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.

Kate Miller

Kate Miller

Team Leader

I've joined the NI-Connect team, as the Team Leader. I have a Bachelor of Social Work (UQ) and am working on completing a Masters in International Law and International Relations. For the past eleven years I've worked in a variety of social work roles, including statutory child protection work in the South-West region of Queensland and covering the whole spectrum of families journeys with child protection systems.

I started my social work career in Nepal, working on a range of projects including sexual and reproductive health education with high school students, art therapy groups with children of prisoners, and program evaluation on a microfinance project in Pokhara. I've completed three assignments with the Australian Volunteers Program (formerly known as Australian Volunteers for International Development) in Mongolia, Vietnam, and Federated States of Micronesia. In these roles, I was responsible for supporting local departments and organisations working in the areas of child protection, support of victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking, and support of victims of violent crimes.

When I'm not working or studying, I'm spending time with my adorable French Bulldog, Ocean, meeting up virtually with my online community, Yoni Circle, and playing fun aunty to a gaggle of nieces and nephews in Australia and Vanuatu.

Victoria Fenton

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.

Maria Massey

Maria Massey

Business Support Coordinator

My name is Maria and I joined NI-Connect in late February 2023. My role is Business Support Coordinator, this is a varied role where no day is the same. Some of my duties include reception, office administration and finance. I work 2 days a week and job share this position with Ann. I am very excited to be working with this amazing team.

I moved to Norfolk Island when I was young, finishing school and then started my career working locally. After leaving Norfolk Island for a while, I moved back with my family in 2011.

I have extensive experience in Office Administration and have worked for different companies in Australia which include Media, Gas Detection and Data Storage, I then worked in my own business doing the accounts. I bring this knowledge and skills to my current role.

When I have free time, I enjoy getting into my garden, spending time with my family, making soap and catching up with friends.

Clayton Doyle

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.

Rebecca Carleton

Rebecca Carleton

Child Wellbeing Caseworker

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.

Brigette Graham

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

NI-Connect Holiday Wellbeing Program

| Informative Events, Social Events | No Comments
Name: Holiday Wellbeing Program Date: Every school holidays Description: The NI-Connect Holiday Program aims to…

Holiday And Wellbeing Program April 2023

The Holiday Wellbeing Program is designed to give children the opportunities to be involved in activities, give something new a try, enjoy cultural activities and most importantly HAVE FUN!! Once again, the program delivered. 

With a few program structure changes, activities were carried out all over the island and were tailored for specific age groups. Changing, improving, and bettering the program is always on the cards and we rely on helpful feedback from children, parents, and casual staff. After the feedback from the last program, we amended this program and have found this April program worked fantastically for the children, parents, and staff. The children that attended the program were engaging in the activities, happy, stimulated and had loads of fun. Having a mixture of shorter and longer days, mean that the children aren’t returning the next day too tired or grumpy. Our aim and mission is to keep developing a program that is fun, adventurous, and building cultural awareness for the children to attend. 

The first week kicked off on Monday 3rd April, with a bus trip for the Prep to yr2s to Hundred Acres, where the children explored the loop walking track and was surprised at the end with a Teddy Bears picnic…. With a special appearance from Norfolk’s own real Bears. Thank you to Yvonne and Glenda for sharing your “bear” skills and being great storyteller with us. The Yr3-6s learnt some new dancing skills and had a great time, breaking down the moves at Rawson Hall.  

Tuesday 4th April was a full day with all the children together. We boarded a Pinetree’s Bus and headed for Bumboras, exploring all it has to offer and some of the island culture and heritage. Children played sports on the grass area, collected shells for jewellery making, tried their hands at Norfolk weaving, paper boat folding (which were then set sailed down the creek). All under the help of our lovely volunteers, Colleen, Greg, Donna, Coral, and Mark – Thank you. At lunch time the children were treated to a lunch of “Build your own burger”. After lunch, children made their way down to the beach, where they explored rock pools, built sandcastles, and took a bamboo rod and tried their hand at rock fishing. Catching a few rockfish was a highlight of the day for some children. At 2.30pm we were picked up and made our way back to Rawson Hall where some tried and exhausted children were collected after a long day of fun. 

Wednesday 5th April was another shorter day. Children split into age groups. Yr3-6s setting off on foot, walking from Rawson Hall to the RSL Museum. We were met at the Museum and guided around by young Ryan Cooper (under the watchful eye of Wal). He did a great job explaining to the children about the history of island and the significant part Norfolk Islanders played. Children explored the museum and then headed next door to enjoy a swim in the Fletcher Christian Apt pool. Even though the weather was not very warm and overcast, it didn’t stop the children from enjoying this activity and making a splash.  Prep-yr2s had fun busting a groove at Rawson Hall, learning a wide range of dancing skills and presenting some performances to their peers. 

Thursday 6th April, the children attended another full day! Today each child was given a bucket and with the helpful guidance and talent of Kath King and the Norfolk Drumming group, children explored the talent of rhythm. The children are always ecstatic when they see this activity in the program and loud rumbles of drumming could be heard pouring out of Rawson Hall. Prep -yr2s then stayed at the Hall and made craft items, played games, and had a few games of laser Tag. Whilst the yr3-6s headed to the Ferny Lane Theatre to settle down on a rainy afternoon to watch the classic movie “Flubba”… which was a great hit!  

There was a break in the activities whilst everyone enjoyed the Easter long weekend.  

The second week kicked off on Tuesday 11th April, with yet another long day full of exploring our wonderful Island. Children boarded a Baunti bus and headed to a paddock, where we were met by Robyn, who explained to the children about the Norfolk Blue cattle breed. She had some treats there for the cattle (who were super friendly) and children were able to feed them. Back on the bus and to the other side of the island, where children were met by Emily and her Hilli Goats. This was truly amazing, and the children were able to pick flower and go in with the goats, feeding them flower, patting them and cuddle them. Not sure who was the most excited the children or the goats!! After leaving here we made our way down to Lone Pine and children were treated with a hot lunch of hot chips and Pluto pups. After lunch, children were dropped off at Bloody Bridge and placed into teams to run the “Amazing Race”. Children and their leaders, had to follow a line of riddles and clues that lead them through the KAVHA area. This wonderful activity was the work of Rachel Nebauer. Children had fun running along Quality Row, going in and out of the old buildings, finding the way back to Emily Bay, where a Pirate was waiting for the children to dig for the hidden treasure!! 

Wednesday 12th April was a day of Lego building, Loom band creations, games, sports, and crafts for the prep -yr2s group. Yr3-6s walked to the NI fitness and health in the village, where Kay and Kelvin had designed a circuit of activities for the children to have a go at. They learnt about good health, good food and good exercise! This was followed with children creating a buddha breakfast bowl. 

Thursday 13th April Kingston DAY – a full day, with beautiful weather it was the perfect day for a waterslide at Government House. Children also enjoyed a wide range of activities including a soccer-golf, guppy catching, and sandcastle building. Leaving that afternoon, very exhausted and happy. 

Friday 14th was our last day and the weather held out just long enough for the yr3-6s to get in some barefoot bowls. They had a great time trying their hand at rolling up some bowls. This was followed with some hot food platters to finish off the morning. The preps – yr2s enjoyed the morning on a “Breakfast bus”, which took them to a mystery location for a pop-up breakfast and a smoothie bike. Then they headed off to the Ferny Lane Theatre, when they watched a funny movie whilst the heavens opened with the rain.  

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

Yvonne Robinson and Glenda 
Colleen Crane
Greg Magri
Coral Hillier
Brendon Christian & Infrastructure team
Tony Eales
Robyn Menghetti
Bear Graham 

 

Eric Hutchinson
Norfolk Island Police                                          
Pinetree Tours         
Mark Scott
Donna Rowlinson
Pauline Potter
NI Bowling Club
Kay & Kelvin – NI Fitness and Health 

 

Tosca Quintal/The Bakery
RSL Museums – Wal & Ryan 
Fletcher Christian Apts 
NI Drumming & Kath King
Ian & Monica -Ferny Lane Theatre
Emily Ryves & Hilli Goat Farm
Rachel Nebauer
Baunti Tours & Les Quintal 

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

Debbie Anderson         
Daniel Anderson 
River Andrew
Fletcher Buffett
Tracey Graham
Femke Cornelissen
Amy Quintal
Dylan Bruce
T’Sharn Evans
Leeloo Evans
Ruby Drain 

Harley Massey
Trey Mills
Emma Holland
Tanya Randall
Cash Mills
Jordan Murray
Lauran Tierney
Ashley Porter
Jasmine Watson  
Cassie McCoy

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 kate.miller@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.

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

Email Us

COMMUNITY CENTRE

To book a room for your next activity, either;

Drop in and chat to the Unit Manager, or
Call us on 23380 or
after hours on 51115 to discuss your needs.

URGENT CONTACTS

If you have any concerns for the safety and well-being of a child or young person please contact

Norfolk Island Police
Phone: 22222

Child Welfare Officer
23380 (landline) or 51115 (mobile).

Norfolk Island Regional Council

Statement of Respect

We undertake to act with honesty and integrity, to conduct ourselves in a way that engenders trust and confidence in the decisions we make, and the actions we take on behalf of the Norfolk Island community. We acknowledge the Norfolk Island people, the traditional custodians of this Island.