Residents of the small town of Wilcannia can now shop locally for affordable and stylish clothes at the town’s new recycled clothing store.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has established the social enterprise within its branch office in Reid Street.
The Wilcannia fashion store Cooee Clothing had its first trading days earlier this month and attracted residents needing a wardrobe refresh.
The social enterprise stocks recycled clothing for women, children, and men, as well as a small selection of accessories and gift items.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche said the organisation had started the recycled fashion store to meet a community need.
“Clothing is an essential item but until now there’s been no local shop selling clothing,” Ms Mioche said.
“We have started this store within our branch to make quality clothing available at an affordable price.”
The recycled clothing store complements another CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Cooee social enterprise.
Cooee Cuts is an affordable hair salon that operates one week every month from the CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes branch office.
The Cooee social enterprises are funded by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Office for Women and Catholic charity Mary Ward International Australia.
The initiatives provide training for women and girls in the areas of life skills and job readiness, in communities that often lack those opportunities.
“In our first days of trade we have received great feedback about the quality, range and pricing of items for sale,” Ms Mioche said.
“Community members have also had the chance to say hello to our social enterprise assistant Merica, who has been recruited for the fashion store.”
Cooee Clothing is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm in normal weeks, and during the Cooee Cuts week of each month, Cooee Clothing will open four days a week.

A CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes team has worked with 256 clients who were homeless or at risk of homelessness in two western NSW shires in the past year.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes provides Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) in the Bourke and Cobar local government areas (LGAs).
The program supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those experiencing domestic or family violence.
Under Specialist Homelessness Services, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes operates a safe house at Bourke for women and children escaping violence, providing intensive support.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has released key Specialist Homelessness Services statistics for the most recent financial year ahead of Homelessness Week, August 7-13, to bring awareness to the struggle to find safe and sustainable accommodation in the regional communities it serves.
Through the program, the organisation provided 322 nights of short-term accommodation or emergency accommodation.
Of its 256 clients who were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Bourke and Cobar LGAs, almost two-thirds – 65 per cent – were female.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Safe Homes portfolio manager Kimeaka Bermingham said in metropolitan areas, homelessness often took the form of rough sleeping and was therefore visible to the community, but in regional and remote areas if was often more hidden.
“Forty per cent of our clients in the Bourke and Cobar LGAs were living with relatives rent-free, or couch-surfing when presenting to our service,” she said.
The goal of the Specialist Homelessness Services program, which is funded by the NSW government, is for people to have safe, secure, sustainable and long-term housing, with resources that supports and enables and maintain independent living.
This is achieved through case management and case coordination, for example, assistance in completing rental diaries, helping clients understand processes and understand some of the jargon and requirements from housing providers, educational sessions, for example, how to manage or maintain a tenancy or safety sessions, and advocacy and awareness.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes will team up with other service providers at Bourke to host a Homelessness Week event, and encourages the community to attend.

Homelessness Week event
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and other service providers are teaming up to host a community social lunch to mark Homelessness Week.
It will be held on Friday August 11, 2023 from 11am to 2pm at the Bourke PCYC and for more information, people can contact CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes on 1800 067 067.

A CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes team worked with 621 clients who were homeless or at risk of homelessness in central-western NSW in the past year.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes provides Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) in Forbes, Parkes, Lachlan, Cowra and Weddin local government areas (LGAs).
The program supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including those experiencing domestic or family violence.
In Forbes, the program also operates a women’s refuge for women escaping domestic or family violence, and other program supports across locations include short-term or emergency and transitional accommodation.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has released the program’s statistics for the most recent financial year ahead of Homelessness Week, August 7-13, to bring awareness to the struggle to find safe and sustainable accommodation in the regional communities it serves.
The 2021 census recorded 117 people homeless across the Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes and Weddin LGAs, but CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Safe Homes portfolio manager Kimeaka Bermingham said homelessness was often underreported in the census.
“Our SHS team provided support to 621 people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the 12 months to June 30 in the Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes and Weddin LGAs,
demonstrating the extent of the issue,” Ms Bermingham said.
Homelessness has a variety of forms, including rough sleeping, as well as the less visible couchsurfing, short-term or temporary accommodation, and severe overcrowding.
“Only one person identified in the 2023 Department of Communities and Justice Annual Street Count of people sleeping rough in the Parkes LGA, proving how much of a hidden issue homelessness is, in so many of our communities,” Ms Bermingham said.
Natural disasters had made the past 12 months a difficult time in western NSW. “During this time, floods affected many of our clients leaving a proportion of them homeless and without safe and secure accommodation,” Ms Bermingham said.
“Some local rental properties were also affected during this time, limiting options for people to secure safe accommodation.”
The goal of the SHS program, which is funded by the NSW government, is for people to have safe, secure, sustainable and long-term housing, with resources that supports and enables and maintain independent living.
This is achieved through case management and case coordination, for example, assistance in completing rental diaries, helping clients understand processes and understand some of the jargon and requirements from housing providers, educational sessions, for example, how to manage or maintain a tenancy or safety sessions, and advocacy and awareness.
The theme for Homelessness Week this year is ‘It’s time to end homelessness’. CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes will host events to mark Homelessness Week at Condobolin, Cowra and Forbes, and encourages the community to attend.
Homelessness Week events
• Morning tea at Condobolin: Tuesday August 8, 2023, 10.30am, CatholicCare WilcanniaForbes Condobolin office, free morning tea, lucky door prize for attendees
• Morning tea at Cowra: Wednesday August 9, 2023, 10.30am, Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre, free morning tea, lucky door prize for attendees
• Family fun day at Forbes: Thursday August 10, 2023, 11am-1pm, Nelson Park, jumping castle, coffee van, free barbecue, popcorn, children’s activities, information and resources, lucky door prize for attendees

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has launched its 2023 Aboriginal Art Competition to discover Aboriginal artists in western NSW.
Opening in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week, July 2-9, a total prize pool of $4000 is on offer for the best original paintings.
It is the third time the biennial competition has been held and the closing date for entries is Monday August 28, 2023.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche encouraged Aboriginal artists living in the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, or in communities where its services are available, to enter.
“At CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes we are passionate about creating opportunities for Aboriginal people and empowering all to succeed and this competition will generate opportunities and recognition for three aspiring artists,” Ms Mioche said.
“We know there is a lot of unrecognised talent in this region and we hope this competition will showcase these artists.
“This is the third time we have run the competition and this year we hope to attract even more talent from our communities.”
Raymond Thorpe of Forbes won the inaugural CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal Art Competition in 2019 with his painting, Platypus Waterholes.
In 2021 Robert Sloane of Condobolin claimed top honours with his artwork, Mirri (dragonfly).
The competition offers a total prize pool of $4000 to encourage emerging Aboriginal artists to create and share meaningful artwork that shows the rich Aboriginal culture and artistry in our diocese.
First prize for the winner is $2000, second prize is $1500 and third prize is $500.
Artists living in the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, or in communities where CatholicCare WilcanniaForbes offers services, including from Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Cobar, Bourke, Brewarrina, Nyngan, Warren, Narromine, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Lake Cargelligo, Condobolin or elsewhere within the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes are encouraged to submit an artwork.

An emergency accommodation project to support women and children leaving domestic violence is reaching major construction milestones at Condobolin. Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and the Condobolin Catholic parish have united to transform a church property for the new purpose.
This project received grant funding from the Australian government.
The planned facility will bring much-needed support to the Lachlan local government area (LGA), which ranked 14th highest in the state for domestic violence assaults in 2022 in NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data.
BOCSAR figures show the LGA recorded 54 reported incidents in 2022, but its largest town, Condobolin, is 100 kilometres away from the nearest women’s shelter at Forbes.
Project manager CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes secured $800,785 from the Australian government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program for the capital works.
The Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes has made a generous in-kind contribution of the land and building at Condobolin.
Renovations are on track for the church property to start its next chapter within the coming months.
Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, parish priest Father Getulio Goncalves, and representatives from CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and the Condobolin parish visited the property in March to view progress.
Local builder John Adams was engaged to lead the capital works.
“Women and children experiencing domestic violence in western NSW need and deserve access to safe emergency accommodation, which is what this new facility will deliver,” CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche said.
“From office space on site, our team members will provide wraparound support to the families staying in this safe place.”
Through the Condobolin project the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes seeks to welcome and care for the vulnerable and promote peace, the life and dignity of the human person.
“We are called to reach out to those in need, and share hope and light in the world,” Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green said.

Information Pack for Entrants – 2023 ENTRIES

Paintings (and completed entry forms) can be accepted at any of our CatholicCare
Wilcannia-Forbes offices by the competition closing date Monday August 28, 2023.
Our offices are located in Bathurst, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cobar, Condobolin,
Dubbo, Forbes, Lake Cargelligo, Narromine, Nyngan, Orange, Parkes, Warren and
Wilcannia. Office addresses are available on ccwf.org.au.
If you require assistance to complete this form or for any questions relating to this competition,
please call 1800 067 067 or email info@ccwf.org.au.

See Full Publication for Entry Form

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes CEO Anne-Marie Mioche has congratulated Board Member Lynda Edwards who has won the prestigious 2023 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year Award.
Ms Edwards was also named NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year at the NSW Women of the Year Awards presentation in Sydney on Thursday morning.
Ms Mioche said the organisation was thrilled the important work of Ms Edwards had been recognised on the state stage.
“Lynda, a proud Wangkumara and Barkandji woman, is a dedicated advocate for First Nations people in the financial sector,” Ms Mioche said.
“Her work has contributed significantly to fairer financial outcomes for First Nations people.
“Her valuable contribution to our community in western NSW also includes serving in the voluntary role of director of the CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes board.”

Separating and separated families in far-western NSW can now access a safe, nurturing and impartial place for children to see their other parent or extended family at the new Broken Hill Children’s Contact Service (CCS).
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) has opened the centre to provide supervised contact visits and changeover services.
The child’s needs are the primary focus of the service, and its purpose is to allow children to stay connected with both parents and other significant people in their lives, in situations where families are unable to manage their own contact arrangements.
Children’s Contact Services currently operate in more than 60 locations across Australia, but until now, the nearest to Broken Hill was at Mildura, a three-hour drive away.
CCWF received $2 million in Australian government funding over four years to establish the Children’s Contact Service in the far-western NSW city.
CCWF chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche said the establishment of the Children’s Contact Service brought a valuable and much-needed service to the Broken Hill community.
“The purpose of the Children’s Contact Service is to provide children the opportunity to re-establish or maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents, as well as grandparents and other significant people in their lives,” Ms Mioche said.
“The opening of the Children’s Contact Service reflects our commitment to responding to need, and is the realisation of a long campaign by the city’s social and legal services.”
CCWF has a strong record of delivering support and social services in western NSW.
The Broken Hill Children’s Contact Service provides a safe, non-judgemental and positive environment for young people up to 18 years of age, and their parents.
Its professional team is headed up by CCWF Healthy Relationships – Children’s Contact Services delivery leader Mark Braes, who has a wealth of experience in the sector.
“We know that for some separated parents, experiences of worry, fear and anger can make it difficult to manage child contact arrangements and the co-parenting relationship,” Mr Braes said.
“Our team of contact workers facilitate safe, positive and child-focused contact visits.
“The centre has a range of age-appropriate resources to help children enjoy time with their visitor.
“Contact workers are present during visits and can provide support to children and parents.”

Eugowra residents devastated by flash flooding can continue to call on CatholicCare WilcanniaForbes (CCWF) for financial counselling services.
The CCWF team has been on the ground helping people contact insurance companies, banks, utility providers and any other assistance needed, and people can also phone them on 1800 067 067 to chat or arrange a visit.
It continues CCWF’s commitment to the town of about 700 people since disaster struck on November 14, tragically claiming two lives.
More than 200 buildings at Eugowra were damaged or destroyed by the flash flooding, authorities report.
With the need so great, CCWF team members based at Forbes and Parkes quickly rallied to assist Eugowra, helping with the clean-up and offering emotional support in the aftermath.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche visited Eugowra, and the organisation donated goods worth thousands of dollars to provide immediate relief.
Employees swapped normal duties to assist in the town, and even volunteered in their own free time, bringing family members with them.
“Members of our team at Forbes and Parkes did not hesitate, they wanted to be there for the people of Eugowra who have lost so much,” Ms Mioche said.
CCWF staff worked alongside defence force personnel going from house to house, and listened to people’s stories of survival, and provided information about CCWF services.
Team members met Eugowra residents returning from the evacuation centre at Orange to accompany them to their homes – for some it was the first time they saw their property since the flood.
CCWF workers also rolled up their sleeves to provide practical support, cleaning, ripping up and dragging out carpet and helping clear out other ruined items from houses and yards.
They delivered food and drinks to residents, did first aid when required, and helped people look for cats and dogs, missing since the flood.
CCWF team member Rebecca Palenapa-Pili was one of the group and said it was “just devastating” to see the destruction caused by the flash flooding and wanted to do all she could to alleviate people’s distress.
A few days after helping one man, he shared his progress with her.
“He wanted to tell me about his day and what he’d been doing at the evacuation centre, and just how much we’d helped him and how much better he felt, because he said, ‘I couldn’t have done this without you guys’,” Ms Palenapa-Pili said.
Colleague Andrew Bament was at Eugowra for five days leading a crew to sort donated goods – ranging from clothes, shoes, food, toiletries, camping equipment and more – and set them up in an orderly system for community members.
Mr Bament said when he first arrived at Eugowra after the flash flood, the scene reminded him of the cyclones he had seen as a child in far-north Queensland.
“Pictures do not do it justice, the devastation this community has experienced is incredible,” he said.
Eugowra sits outside the Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, but has links with Forbes.
Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, travelled to Eugowra to support the neighbouring community, where he said there were people who had “lost
everything, in the true sense of the word”.
With prolonged flooding along western NSW catchments this spring, the diocese was in gear to respond to the real and immediate needs facing Eugowra residents.
“We’ve been able to help financially in Eugowra, as we are with Forbes and everywhere else,” he said.
“We did it because they’re our neighbours.”
Bishop Columba, whose father’s family came from Eugowra, offered reassurance to the “strong and resilient” residents of the small town.
“It’s going to be really difficult for the people of Eugowra, and it’s really going to be important to know you are not alone,” he said.
“So I can speak for the people of Forbes, Forbes is always going to be there with you, to help you, and you’ve just got to know that you’re not alone, because sometimes in a situation like that, you can feel a bit alone, especially later on.
“Forbes will always be here, hang in there.
“God hasn’t forgotten you, and neither have we.”

The mission to improve mental health and end stigma will step up at Broken Hill this month.
Community members are invited by CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes to the Broken Hill Mental Health Expo on November 8.
Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb will give a special guest talk at the free event.
Webb co-founded mental health charity LIVIN in 2013 after the death of a good friend to suicide.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Better Health and Wellbeing Portfolio delivery leader Jodie Callegher is inviting schools, parents, carers, students and other community members to come along to the expo.
She said a highlight will be the talk by Webb, who is also known for his appearances in Home and Away, Neighbours and Australian Survivor.
Webb gave inspiring and insightful talks at similar mental health expos organised by CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes in June at Parkes, Forbes, Orange and Bathurst.
“We’re thrilled that Sam Webb will be back to speak at Broken Hill,” Ms Callegher said.
“He is committed to helping people and organisations understand the importance of mental health and making wellness a priority.
“We think the community will gain a lot from his talk.”
Representatives from mental health support providers at Broken Hill will also be at the event for community members to meet and talk to.
“The mental health expo is a great chance to access a range of resources to focus on an area of health that can often be overlooked,” Ms Callegher said.
“Mental health as an issue is growing in communities, especially in young people and it is an area of concern.
“This event is so important to increasing the community’s knowledge and understanding, and its capacity to support people’s well-being.”
The Broken Hill Mental Health Expo will be held at the Broken Hill Entertainment Centre on November 8 from 11am to 2pm.
It is free to attend, but people are asked to register through Eventbrite