The Ankali Project

15/05/2023

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week (NVW).

NVW is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2023 is 'The Change Makers'. You can find out how to get involved here: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/.

Since Ankali opened its doors in 1985 approximately 2500 volunteers have provided emotional and social support to more than 2700 people living with HIV, their families and friends. Talk about change makers!

To honour the proud history of Ankali, please see the moving 1989 documentary 'Ankali Means Friend' which was produced by the ABC:

Ankali Means Friend Part 1 https://youtu.be/U_KSEwDW1ms
Ankali Means Friend Part 2 https://youtu.be/fIX5gVbfk_M

We are currently accepting applications for our upcoming 112th Ankali Volunteer training in September. Please visit our website for information about Ankali, training dates, and the application form: http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/.

We look forward to hearing from you.

18/12/2022

The end of the year is fast approaching, and The Ankali Project will be closed on the following dates.

We thank you all for your kindness and support throughout 2022 and look forward to what 2023 has in store for The Ankali Project and our community. 🥰🤩🫶

04/12/2022

Today is International Volunteer Day. This year's theme is: Solidarity through volunteering: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/events/international-volunteer-day/ #/

"Volunteering is where compassion meets solidarity. Both share the same root values – supporting each other from a position of trust, humility, respect and equality."

Today we especially acknowledge the 2000+ Ankali volunteers that have supported people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS since 1985.

If you are empathic, compassionate, reliable and have a spare few hours each week or fortnight, please visit our website for more information and put in an application to become an Ankali volunteer: http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/.

HAPPY VOLUNTEER DAY.

(photo of Ankali volunteers used with consent and taken by Cassandra Hannagan).

01/12/2022

Today, The Ankali Project attended a World Aids Day event organised by The Albion Centre and Bobby Goldsmith Foundation here at Frog Hollow Reserve in Surry Hills.

We always enjoy spending time with our friends and community.

24/11/2022

Our friends down the road at The Albion Centre are looking for an Administrative Assistant.

If you are interested, have a read of the post and apply!

Come and join this wonderful family, we would love to have you 😍

The Albion Centre is looking for an Administrative Assistant.

Administration Officer (Lvl 3) - The Albion Centre - Perm FT + Temp FT Available
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time / Temporary Full Time
Position Classification: Admin Officer Level 3
Remuneration: $62,525.58 - $64,583.50 per annum
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ357614 / REQ356469

Where you'll be working
This position is based at The Albion Centre in Surry Hills. The Albion Centre is an inter-disciplinary public health care facility with a primary focus on HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis management. This facility is part of the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses (SHBBV) services within Population and Community Health (PaCH) a division of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD).

What you'll be doing
The vision for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) is ‘exceptional care, healthier lives’. SESLHD is committed to enabling our community to be healthy and well, and to providing the best possible compassionate care when people need it.

The Albion Centre (Albion) falls under Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus (SH BBV) services with the Priority and Community Health Directorate of SESLHD. The service is located at Surry Hills and provides HIV, hepatitis C and sexual health care to priority populations and vulnerable groups. The Albion adapts a collaborative approach to care within the SH BBV service by developing/maintaining links with partner services, such as the Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Shorts Street Centre and HIV and Related Program unit.

The reception staff support the clinic and Centre in all patient related, administrative and reception duties. This includes appointment bookings; registering and checking in all patients; face to face patient contact; liaising with all other clinical staff to facilitate efficient progress through the Centre for the patients.

This is the first line contact for telephone communication to the Centre and will be expected to:
• Appropriately identify client requirements and book appointments accordingly.
• Register new clients for clinical services using the Centre's appointment system.
• Direct and assist incoming telephone enquiries
• Ensure patient demographics are entered accurately and existing information is updated, as necessary.
• Ensure the flow of records and clients through the clinic in a timely manner, directing visitors and clients through the Centre.
• Ensure client privacy and confidentiality is maintained at all times, in line with Centre policy.
• Collect and record accurate statistical data as required by the Centre.

Selection Criteria
1. Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and ability to input data into database packages.
2. Demonstrated experience in general office duties, including reception.
3. Demonstrated good verbal communication skills.
4. Demonstrated willingness to work shifts as required. Shifts vary from 7am to 7pm finish.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work with minimal supervision and to undertake a wide range of tasks as an effective member of a team in what can be a high-pressure and high-volume work environment.
6. Demonstrated a non-judgemental and empathic approach towards all people, including those from diverse backgrounds.

Need more information?
1. Click here for the Position Description (Perm FT), Position Description (Temp FT) and SESLHD Expected Standards
2. Find out more about applying for this position
3. Apply here: Permanent Full Time / Temporary Full Time

For role-related queries or questions, contact Gabriel Alnajes at Gabriel.Alnajes@health.nsw.gov.au

Applications Close: 7th December 2022

21/11/2022

The Ankali Project was honoured to be invited by The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, to attend a Dinner for the Aged and Wellbeing Sector.

On behalf of our service and volunteers, our Senior Social Worker Zoe, attended the Dinner on the 10th of November at Government House in the Botanical Gardens of Sydney.

The evening was fabulous, sharing dinner and drinks in the company of Her Excellency, her husband Mr Dennis Wilson, and guests from the sector including Mission Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Seniors Rights Service, Community & Cultural Connections Inc and Abla Kadous (NSW Senior of the Year 2022).

It was a privilege the share the history of The Ankali Project with Her Excellency and guests, and to promote our volunteers who have tirelessly supported our community since 1985.

26/09/2022

And just like that... our 111th Volunteer Training has come to an end!👏✨🥇🎉

What an incredible three days of training, shared with such a committed, compassionate and respectful group of people.

They have shown us what it is to be caring and thoughtful volunteers despite the many challenges that covid-19 may have thrown their way, or other of life's obstacles. To commit to volunteering for our community is generous and appreciated.

This group joins an esteemed family of volunteers that are numbered in the thousands throughout the life time of The Ankali Project. We are only because of you all.

So, congratulations to our 111th graduates and we look forward to accompanying you on your Ankali journey. Thank YOU!

20/09/2022

👏👏👏Wow, what an excellent weekend of training for our new Ankali volunteers. 👏👏👏

Our first two days of training were full to the brim with activities getting to know each other and discussing what brought us to The Ankali Project, as well as information sessions and workshops.

We were privileged to hear from two amazing speakers who are part of Positive Life NSW's Positive Speakers Bureau, and we also hosted a panel of current Ankali volunteers and clients who shared their experiences.

What a wonderful group of new volunteers who identified empathy, non-judgement and respect as part of their group rules, which is what the The Ankali Project is all about.

Bring on our third and final day of training next Saturday 24th September!🥳🥳🥳

07/09/2022

Today is R U OK Day. Are you okay? More than this, today is also about the follow up questions. “Have you been feeling this way for a while?” Or “Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?”

We know that genuine care and concern can make a real difference. You don’t need to be an expert.

Here at Ankali, today is about checking in with our buddies, friends and workmates. The Ankali Project creates relationships and social connections.

Our clients are matched with a volunteer buddy who check in with them on a regular basis to provide companionship and support.
Our volunteers are part of their own support groups that meet fortnightly and check in for peer support.

Regularly asking each other “how are you travelling?”, “what’s happening in your life?” are just part of how we stay connected and look after each out.

For more information about R U OK? check out https://www.ruok.org.au/

14/08/2022

Our friends at Bobby Goldsmith Foundation have curated an exhibition celebrating creativity and honouring the work of artists living with HIV.

The launch event is Thursday 1st September 6-8pm Wilson's Cafe 35 Richards Lane Surry Hills.

RSVP here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/art-matters-an-exhibition-of-art-photography-and-haiku-tickets-380143317897?aff=web

Exhibition is open 1st September - 5th September 2022.

Please join us for a celebration of creativity and a chance to honour the work of artists living with HIV.

The 'ART MATTERS' Exhibition will feature the art, photography and haiku works of BGF clients from a range of our creative programs, including our Art Phoenix Program.

The exhibition is free to attend. Drinks will be available for a gold coin donation.

RSVP here: https://BGF-ArtMatters2022.eventbrite.com.au/?aff=fb

04/07/2022

This week, we are celebrating NAIDOC Week, 3rd – 10th July 2022. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!, and here at the Ankali Project we want to do just that.

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There are a number of events happening all across the more than 250 nations that this land is comprised of. Do you know what land you are situated on?

Ankali House is located on Gadigal land. The Gadigal people are a clan of the Eora Nation. The Eora Nation is made up of about 29 clan groups located in the Sydney city area.

The Ankali Project acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this land we are situated. We pay our deepest respect, to Elders past, present and future. We extend this to all First Nations people.

This year, we will work to Get Up! Stand Up! and Show Up! to support our First Nations community.

Check out NAIDOC week events in your area here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/local-events/local-naidoc-week-events

19/05/2022

We have made it to Friday and to celebrate the last day of our National Volunteer Week campaign, our final clip includes information about The Ankali Project and steps to get involved. Have a look!

Thank you again to all our volunteers who are the beating heart of this great organisation. May we celebrate you this week, and every week.

Head to our website to complete an application form http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

PS - Don’t forget to also head to the National Volunteer Week website and check out other ways to get involved https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/

19/05/2022

To celebrate Day 4 of National Volunteer Week, we are spotlighting amazing Anthony. Anthony has been with us for 25 Years!

Whether its 25 years or 25 weeks, we thank all of our volunteers for bringing their diverse strengths and skills to The Ankali Project. We are, because of you.

If you are interested in joining out great team, please head to our website for more information http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/

Stay tuned for our final update tomorrow!

18/05/2022

Happy Hump Day! It's Day 3 of National Volunteer Week and we are continuing to shine a light on our volunteers and the amazing work that they do.

Today, you'll meet Nick who has volunteered with us for 14 years. Thank you Nick, for sharing your time with us.

Check back on the page tomorrow to meet another volunteer and remember to head to our website http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/ for more information and training dates.

17/05/2022

Today, May 17th marks IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
is a day to raise awareness for the ongoing work to fight stigma and discrimination against sexuality, trans and gender diverse communities.
Check out https://www.idahobit.org.au/ for more information on how to get involved with events in your area and other ways to show your support.

16/05/2022

It's Day 2 of National Volunteer Week and over the next few days we are spotlighting just a few of our many fabulous volunteers.

Thank you Georgia for your commitment and the amazing support you give to Ankali as well as your volunteer peers. We celebrate you and all our volunteers this week, and every week.

Stay tuned to our page throughout the week to meet more of our volunteers.

You can also find more information on how you can get involved by checking out our website http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/ for training dates and to download an application.

15/05/2022

Happy National Volunteer to our past and present Ankali volunteers, as well as volunteers everywhere.

Please see the Centre for Volunteering page for more information about Volunteer Week (https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/) and stay tuned on our page for spotlights of Ankali volunteers throughout the week.

We are aiming to complete an Ankali volunteer training in the second half of 2022 - visit our website site for more information about the training, training dates, and download an application: http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/.

07/04/2022

Hi Everyone!

My name is Zoe and I am the new Social Worker at Ankali.

I’ve been working in the HIV sector for the last three years with the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation where I worked as a Caseworker and Community Support Worker. The people that I have worked with in this sector are some of the most empathetic, non-judgmental and biggest supporters and advocates for justice that I have ever met. I have a feeling Ankali is no different.

Over the last few years, I have heard and witnessed the great work that Ankali does, and the special role the Volunteers have in the lives of Ankali clients. Whether it has been for 30 years or 30 days, the part you play in people’s lives cannot be underestimated.

Zoe (she/her)

14/03/2022

Happy World Social Work Day!!

This year’s World Social Work Day theme is Co-Building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind. This theme of strengthening solidarity and global connectedness hold such relevance for us all.

Ankali holds a strong history of cherishing social work ethics, values and approaches through all aspects of service delivery.

The past two years have brought unprecedented challenges to Ankali and to the health district which we are still impacted by, however we continue to look forward to the future with a sense of hope.

Thank you to all our volunteers, clients, and stakeholders that continue to stand with and support us.

For more information about World Social Work Day: https://www.aasw.asn.au/social-policy-advocacy/world-social-work-day #:~:text=World%20Social%20Work%20Day%20is,on%20Tuesday%2C%2015%20March%202022.

24/12/2021

Happy Holidays to all - 2021 has been a year like no other!

We hope everyone is able to stay safe and enjoy the holiday season.

05/12/2021

Each year, International Volunteer Day for economic and social development recognises the important roles of volunteers.

For 36 years, dedicated Ankali volunteers have provided emotional and social support to people living with HIV facing social isolation.

The pandemic have thrown many obstacles our way, and Ankali volunteers have remained engaged throughout the past two years being adaptive to continue supporting their clients. We continued to be in awe of the resilience of our volunteers and clients.

Find out more about this important day: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/events/international-volunteer-day/.

Please visit our website for more information about volunteers with Ankali: thealbioncentre.org.au/Ankali-project/.

We thank all of The Ankali Project volunteers for the service they provide to the Ankali clients.

03/12/2021

The longest serving Ankali staff member ever, Manager John William Jones is taking a well-deserved year break.

John has worked at Ankali for 18 years, and supported literally thousands of volunteers and clients during this time- in addition to supporting many students, and important initiatives.

The strong and robust Ankali community you've helped shape will miss you, John. Rest assured, the important work you've contributed to for so many years will continue.

30/11/2021

December 1 is observed as World AIDS Day.

The day is to show support for people living with HIV and the ones who have lost their lives because of AIDS.

The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is ‘End inequalities. End AIDS.’ With a special focus on reaching people left behind.

For more information: http://www.worldaidsday.org.au/internet/wad/Publishing.nsf/content/home.

Tomorrow December 1 is observed as World AIDS Day. The day is to show support for people living with HIV and the ones who have lost their lives because of AIDS. The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is ‘End inequalities. End AIDS.’ With a special focus on reaching people left behind

21/10/2021

It’s not just our clients and volunteers that think of Ankali highly, we are also regarded highly within the HIV services community.

Here is what another service for people living with HIV had to say about the Ankali Project: “Ankali volunteers make a really valuable contribution to the clients that we support, we’d like to acknowledge and recognise the difference we see Ankali volunteers making in the lives of our shared clients. In particular, the ability to meet individually with clients and share their journey with them”.

If you are wanting to get involved or just find out more information please head to our website: http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/ or give us a call on 9332 9742.

(Photo by Cassandra Hannagan)

06/10/2021

October is Mental Health Month, and the theme this year is 'Tune In'.

You can tune in to many things:

Tune in to yourself – What can you sense right now? What can you feel?

Tune in to others – What might people around you be feeling? How can we connect?

Tune in to your communities – What is happening that you can be part of, or that you can help others be part of?

Tune in to stigma – How do attitudes and understandings of mental health and wellbeing impact on people’s ability to live the lives they want? How can we help?

Find more information at: https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/tune-in/.

Ankali volunteers are currently 'tuning in' to messages about easing of restrictions from Monday, and how this impacts their volunteering journey.

We look for to the rest of the year with a sense of hope - hope that we can start getting back to some semblance of normality.

For more information about volunteering with Ankali from 2022 and beyond, please visit the website: http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/.

(photo taken by Cassandra Hannagan pre-lockdown).

22/09/2021

We are so proud of all of our volunteers and the important support they are providing to socially isolated community members. This prolonged lockdown period has certainly provided challenges, however our community have shown great resilience and dedication throughout.

Here is some feedback from an Ankali client that encapsulates just how meaningful and important Ankali volunteer support is to Ankali clients. The client states “my volunteer is as important for my emotional health as my doctor is for my physical health”.

Thank you to all our volunteers for the amazing work you have done and continue to do. We look forward to the easing of restrictions next month, and being able to see people again face to face.

(Photo by Cassandra Hannagan)

09/09/2021

Today is 'R U OK? Day': https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask.

'Are you OK?' How asking a simple question can lead to a conversation that improves someone's mental health.

Call or message a family member, friend or acquaintance and ask them 'Are you OK?'. During these changeable times, checking in with oneself and each other is more important than ever. If you're unsure how to respond after the initial question is asked, the R U OK website has some helpful tools to guide the conversation along.

01/09/2021

During these challenging periods, we choose to remember happier and more social times (see photo).

Ankali have made the difficult decision to cancel our 111th Volunteer Training that was scheduled for October. We'll try again in the next year - in March 2022.

We are continuing to support our current Ankali matches (virtually), and facilitation of volunteer support groups (also virtually).

We look forward to the easing of restrictions at some stage, and a return to some normalcy.

We humbly thank our community for their commitment, perseverance, patience and resilience.

(Photo by Cassandra Hannagan).

10/08/2021

How do you provide social connection and care during periods of lockdown and stay at home orders? Ankali volunteers and clients can give you a few ideas! Ankali volunteers continue to volunteer and provide isolated clients with social and emotional support. Prior to the covid-19 pandemic, volunteers and clients would meet for coffee, go for walks together, or watch a movie together. In lockdown periods, face to face meetings are on hold, in keeping with stay at home public health orders. Volunteers are instead video calling clients with their coffee and cake at the ready, having book club conversations with their clients over the phone, watching movies together but remotely using screen sharing, or simply having conversations over the phone. What continues to be the same is that ongoing, regular contact, that continued relationship, and that reminder from volunteers to clients, that they are cared for and that they matter. And volunteers are cared for too. Volunteers used to meet face to face at Ankali House for peer support group meetings but have been meeting online instead. It's not the same, but it's still about support and being with some of the kindest people you'll ever meet!

21/07/2021

As we close in on four weeks with lockdown/stay at home orders, our thoughts are with our community at this time.

The Ankali Project started during an epidemic in 1985, and we've weathered difficult periods together in the past.

Look after yourselves - and seek up to date information from NSW Health: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx.

06/07/2021

This week is NAIDOC week and the Ankali Project would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation who are the traditional owners of the land on which we work. As part of NSW Health, the Ankali Project would like to acknowledge the unique challenges and gaps in healthcare faced by all Indigenous Australian people and especially those living with HIV. The word 'Ankali' is an Indigenous Australian word for ‘friend' and the founders of the Ankali Project worked with the Aboriginal Medical Service to find this word and name our service.

The 2021 National NAIDOC Poster you see is ‘Care for Country’ and was designed by Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie-Jean Douglas.

Using the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme, Heal Country!, as inspiration, ‘Care for Country’ is a bright and vibrant artwork which explores how Country has cared for and healed First Nations people spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally.

21/06/2021

Please click on the link and see the write-up in Positive Life NSW's blog about Ankali.

Our upcoming 111th Ankali training will take place at Sydney Hospital in August; 14h, 15th, 21st (all three days must be attended).

For more information, and an application form, please visit our website: http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/, or give us a call: 02 9332 9742.

Please share this information with anyone who may be interested, and is available to make at least six month commitment which includes weekly/fortnightly catch ups with one of our clients, and a fortnightly support group for one hour with other volunteers.

Ankali volunteers get together (from the Ankali page) The Ankali Project was established in 1985 to provide emotional and social support to people who were living with, and dying of AIDS. In the early days, the service involved volunteers attending hospices and funerals. Although our

31/05/2021

The Ankali Volunteer Training is an interactive, dynamic and friendly environment that supports your learning while you are considering becoming an Ankali volunteer.

It's great opportunity to meet like-minded people who also want to support socially isolated people living with HIV, and are interested in providing emotional and social support.

Our upcoming 111th training training dates for August are 14th, 15th, and 21st (all three days must be attended).

To be considered for a spot in our training, please visit our website to complete an application http://thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali-project/.

Ankali staff can also answer any questions you may have about the service model or training during business hours on 02 9332 9742.

14/05/2021

Next week is National Volunteer Week and the Ankali Project recognises and celebrates our volunteer community. We are a community of 128 volunteers today, or thousands of volunteers over our 36 year history. Each volunteer is a star in our constellation, providing social and emotional support to an isolated person living with HIV. And as a community of volunteers we are together and about care and inclusion through friendly and supportive relationships. Thank you to all past and present volunteers- your support means everything!

29/04/2021

Peter is a Positive Speaker from the Positive Speakers Bureau - a service coordinated by Positive Life NSW.

For the past year Peter has been providing talks to the Ankali Volunteer training - a valuable insight into the complexities that exist for some positive people.

Peter is an inspiration- he embodies resilience and strength. We’re honoured each time we hear him speak.

Thank you, Peter.

My name is Peter Schlosser, and I am and have been a Positive Speaker with the Positive Life NSW Positive Speakers Bureau (PSB) for 24 years. I’m happy and privileged to be here today in 2020. Saying this leaves me pleased,

27/03/2021

WELCOME TO ANKALI to the 110th Ankali volunteer training graduates 🎓.

20/03/2021

The 110th Ankali Volunteer Training course is underway! It may be cold and stormy outside but inside we're learning, training, and warming to connections with each other.

16/03/2021

Today is World Social Work Day.

The Ankali Project was featured across the health district as we proudly highlighted the incredible commitment of our volunteer community during this past year.

Our 110th volunteer training this weekend is full, and applications for the 111th training in August can now be submitted.

Please visit our website for the training dates, and application: thealbioncentre.org.au/Ankali-project/.

Happy World Social Work Day.

30/01/2021

As an Ankali Volunteer, attending a fortnightly support group is integral to our service model.

These groups are led by experienced Volunteer Group Leaders.

18 volunteer group leaders (some represented in the photo) assisted our 120+ strong volunteer community in contributing nearly 8000 hours of support last year to clients living with HIV experiencing social isolation.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can visit our website for more information: thealbioncentre.org.au/Ankali-project/ or give us a call during business hours: 02 9332 9742.

27/01/2021

This series is creating a lot of debate within our community. It's quite a powerful story, and has a lot of triggers for long-term survivors of HIV, and anyone who has lost someone due to HIV.

The show also demonstrates, that whether it's biological family, chosen family, a group of friends or just one person who is there for you- how important social inclusion is for us.

Have you seen it yet?

Humour and humanity are at the heart of this sublime series about London’s gay community in the 1980s, from the creator of Q***r as Folk