Homeless Persons Information Centre (HPIC) in 1985.

Monday 13th May

Homeless Persons Information Centre.


HPIC is state wide, telephone-based information and referral service. It answers between 60-75,000 calls each year from approximately 16,000 individuals and families who may become or are already experiencing homelessness.

HPIC provides direct referrals to crisis accommodation and other support services such as Centre link, legal services and providers of material assistance.

Individuals and families who contact the centre needing short-term assistance to stop them becoming homeless are referred to our brokerage program.

HPIC maintains an up-to-date register of more than 4,000 services across NSW.


Service Providers: Contact HPIC to update information about there service if the details change. New services are also encouraged to contact HPIC so all details are at hand.



Today was Day 1 of the work within Homelessness with Sydney. The first visit was to HPIC City Of Sydney location Town Hall House.

Upon entering the Town Hall I was met in reception by Mauricio Parraguez the coordinator of HPIC. Shortly after this I was given a in-depth tour of the HPIC to see how it all works within Sydney.

Within HPIC it was really busy, staff taking calls from all around NSW. I was given the opportunity to listen to these calls, looking at the referral process in detail. At about lunge time I went for a break to do Blog and to take information in.

Whilst within HPIC, tomorrow am attending Brokerage Program which was confirmed within the UK. Mauricio was co-coordinating my visit with them. I've arranged another service visit to Family Crisis Centre this week. More information to follow in report.

 

 

First Day At Work Within Sydney HPIC.

Matty

 

 

ANZAC MEMORORIAL Hyde Park Sydney

Sunday 12th May 1 pm: Walking back through the city I came across Hyde Park, in the distance I could see what looked like a Museum.

The park felt really peaceful and relaxed at the time, what I was about to see. Blew me away. 


ANZAC MEMORIAL is located in Hyde Park Sydney NSW Australia,

The ANZAC Memorial is NSW''s principal memorial to Australians who have served their country in the armed forces in wartime or in peacekeeping. ( This experience was on a personal level due to me serving some time ago )

Planned in the years following World War 1, the Memorial is a powerful union of architecture, sculpture and site. Every element of the design is infused with symbolism in order to express the profound sense of grief, loss and gratitude left by people of NSW for men and women who served in World War 1.

SACRIFICE

There is no pomp, no vain glory, no glamour in this group: rather there is stark tragedy, grim reality and bitter truth. But this truth which tells not only of the brutality of war and of the suffering it engenders - self-sacrifice for duty.

Viewed from above, in the Hall of Memory, only the body of the young soldier can be seen. At this point the last post sounds.

I stood for a moment to reflect as I prayed...and remembered.

 

 

Matty

 

Darling Harbour

Sunday 12th May 2013: 11.45 am Sydney.

Woke up this morning nice and early about 7 am. Things seem a lot slower in Sydney what's the saying " Early bird catches the worm ".

Went for a coffee a local coffee shop, as I was sat chilling got talking to a gentleman called James from the Backpackers which am  staying in, is family live in Sydney. As we were talking he asked if I would like to have a look down Darling Harbour. ( I was buzzing...a local to show me about )

Darling Harbour is one of Sydney's largest dining, shopping and entertainment hot spots. Around the water's edge, there are numerous alfresco restaurants, wine bars and bistros. Some of the attractions in the Harbour Australian National Maritime Museum, plus Wild Life Sydney, Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds.

I can remember doing some research about visiting  the Sea Life Aquarium.

Here I was looking at the yachts and the view was great. 

 

 

Matty

 

 

 

Coffee in Sydney Surrey Hills.

09.25 am: Saturday 11th May 2013.


This is my first Bog whilst in Sydney Australia, the flight was really long just short of 2 days.

As I got in Airport I was undecided whether to catch train or shuttle bus. I decided to catch the train to Central Station. All I can say the train was 2 high with a upstairs.

Upon leaving Central Station I could see why I choose Sydney, there was people Homeless sat tapping money and it seemed to be fairly busy with lots of activity......On a bigger scale to Newcastle ( back home )

The location of Home Backpackers is in Surrey Hills, I've not been here that long, however managed to find a good coffee shop around the corner with free WI-FI.

Around Mid-Day checking into accommodation. Later tonight off to a Mutual Aid Support Group....Cant Wait.  Its important to me.

 

 

 

From Newcastle upon Tyne to Sydney Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Culture from around the World.

Dubai Airport 01.25 am: Distance travelled 3,516 miles.


Just landed in Dubai Airport, this is some experience am having already. As I got off the plane I could feel the heat.

Walking into the Terminal 3 I soon realized the size of the Airport. I asked some directions to find my way to level 3.

As I was approaching the lifts the sight was unbelievable, there was about 10 lifts made of steal going up & down at different times, in the background was  flowing water, it looked like a  waterfall coming down a mountain and at the base was a fountain lit up.

Walking onto level 3 the culture from around the world was breath taking. I love stuff like this. Just been relaxing soaking things up. I'm blogging at this time before I go and rest.

Leaving Dubai 09.35 am next stop Australia.

Off for a Cuppa. Matty.

Newcastle Airport 09/05/2013

12 noon: Just arrived at Newcastle Airport. I was suppose to check in a certain way, however I seen a Gap and checked in...It was only Business Class.

 The lady at check in was great. I'm flying with Emirates.

I found it difficult saying goodbye to my parents at airport, but that's fine, its good to show emotions today.

This is my first Blog on this amazing journey, am about to embark on a flight to Dubai arrives mid-night tonight. Followed by a 9 hour stay in Airport....V.I.P Lounge...Sending Blog.

I leave Dubai 09.30 Hours Friday morning arrive in Sydney Australia 05.10 am Saturday

By the time I arrive in Sydney would of been travelling just short of 2 days. 

Mattydownunder

24 Hour's To Go.

The Past 24 Hour's.

 

 

 

 

Thought's & Feeling :

 

 Today as been about final preparation for my travels to Australia.

 

 First thing this morning I've been with the I.T Department of The Cyrenians, due to the distance and the work I'll be doing for me communication is a vital part of my visit to Sydney.

 

 

Not only have I had support from I.T but also on-going support from Communications / Marketing Department. During the last three weeks working with this department as made the preparation a lot more smoother.

 

 

At mid-day today I met with my Manager who as supported me from the start. I find the conversations really interesting. I ran through my Aims & Objectives plus had a detailed conversation about the projects ill be visiting and also working in.

 

As I've been reflecting on my day so far, I feel well balanced, mentally prepared and really excited....that explains the broken sleep. At times I get a little anxious. But that's good its healthy for me.

 

 

Final Blog before the off. To every one who as been following this & the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.Thank You.

 

 

Next Blog A Few Thousand Miles Away.... Matty.