1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:02,000 Speaker 1: One of the big stories we've been covering this week 2 00:00:02,080 --> 00:00:06,400 Speaker 1: is the funding crisis impacting amber And, which has helped 3 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:10,520 Speaker 1: countless Territory families through the loss of a child. The organization, 4 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:14,080 Speaker 1: which has been operating for decades, has turned to the 5 00:00:14,120 --> 00:00:17,840 Speaker 1: community for support to help raise around fifty thousand dollars 6 00:00:17,880 --> 00:00:23,440 Speaker 1: so it can stay afloat after exhausting all other funding options. Now, 7 00:00:23,520 --> 00:00:26,920 Speaker 1: yesterday we spoke to the Health Minister Steve Edgington, who 8 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:29,880 Speaker 1: said that the Northern Territory government provides around one hundred 9 00:00:29,920 --> 00:00:34,560 Speaker 1: and seventeen thousand dollars under a five year funding agreement. 10 00:00:34,720 --> 00:00:37,479 Speaker 1: My understanding is that is each year due to end 11 00:00:37,720 --> 00:00:41,720 Speaker 1: in twenty twenty six, and committed an early payment of 12 00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:46,160 Speaker 1: around fifty eight thousand dollars. Now, Amber AND's president Taylor 13 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:49,080 Speaker 1: Peters joins me on the line to let us know 14 00:00:49,159 --> 00:00:50,519 Speaker 1: how that funding is going to go. 15 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:54,480 Speaker 2: Get a Taylor, Hi, Katie, thanks so much for having 16 00:00:54,560 --> 00:00:55,080 Speaker 2: us on again. 17 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:57,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, thanks so much for your time. Now, obviously the 18 00:00:57,960 --> 00:01:01,120 Speaker 1: ministers saying that they're going to bring forward that fifty 19 00:01:01,160 --> 00:01:03,600 Speaker 1: eight thousand, is it going to make much of a 20 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:04,840 Speaker 1: difference for you guys. 21 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:08,880 Speaker 2: Look, I think we're so grateful for the Department of 22 00:01:08,959 --> 00:01:12,720 Speaker 2: Health and the Northern Tertary Government for that and bringing 23 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:16,320 Speaker 2: forward a payment of that size will absolutely get us 24 00:01:16,360 --> 00:01:20,679 Speaker 2: through the next little while, but unfortunately it doesn't address 25 00:01:20,760 --> 00:01:23,800 Speaker 2: the overall issue here in that the funding doesn't equate 26 00:01:23,880 --> 00:01:27,160 Speaker 2: to know the basic costs that we need to keep 27 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:28,600 Speaker 2: our support service open. 28 00:01:28,959 --> 00:01:31,720 Speaker 1: So how long will it help to sort of sustain 29 00:01:31,880 --> 00:01:33,319 Speaker 1: the operation. 30 00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:36,520 Speaker 2: For well, I think looking at numbers, one of the 31 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:41,280 Speaker 2: big things that we were really starting to put pressure 32 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:44,640 Speaker 2: on was around paying how to support staff wages for 33 00:01:44,680 --> 00:01:48,080 Speaker 2: the next couple of months, as well as things like 34 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:50,880 Speaker 2: our insurances and all of that that are due and 35 00:01:50,960 --> 00:01:53,600 Speaker 2: to ensure that we're open over the Christmas period. So 36 00:01:54,200 --> 00:01:56,960 Speaker 2: I think bringing forward that amount of money will get 37 00:01:57,040 --> 00:02:00,160 Speaker 2: us through to the Christmas period and ensure that we 38 00:02:00,240 --> 00:02:04,000 Speaker 2: can keep trying all other avenues that we maybe haven't 39 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 2: explored yet and go from there. 40 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:09,040 Speaker 1: So effectively you are going to be back to sort 41 00:02:09,040 --> 00:02:10,919 Speaker 1: of you know, to a square one in a few 42 00:02:10,919 --> 00:02:11,560 Speaker 1: months time. 43 00:02:12,639 --> 00:02:17,000 Speaker 2: Absolutely, and you know that's just talking from again. We're 44 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:19,680 Speaker 2: so grateful for that one hundred and seventeen thousand dollars, 45 00:02:19,720 --> 00:02:21,680 Speaker 2: but when we look at that to break it down, 46 00:02:22,280 --> 00:02:26,679 Speaker 2: that really realistically covers most of the wages of two 47 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:29,360 Speaker 2: part time staff that we currently have on our books. 48 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:33,560 Speaker 2: We've reduced their hours astronomically already, and that's not helpful 49 00:02:33,639 --> 00:02:37,600 Speaker 2: considering we're getting significant number of referrals every day from 50 00:02:37,680 --> 00:02:40,920 Speaker 2: territory in our vehicle on the road that's so important 51 00:02:41,040 --> 00:02:43,200 Speaker 2: and a part of the east of the van Berante. 52 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:45,920 Speaker 2: To make sure there are no barriers in that period 53 00:02:45,919 --> 00:02:48,600 Speaker 2: of grief when people are you know, maybe they're stuck 54 00:02:48,639 --> 00:02:50,520 Speaker 2: at home, maybe the thought of even getting out of 55 00:02:50,560 --> 00:02:52,639 Speaker 2: the house is too much. We want to be there 56 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:55,840 Speaker 2: to reach them in a place that's most comfortable. On 57 00:02:55,919 --> 00:02:59,919 Speaker 2: top of our rent and other accounting and small business 58 00:03:00,080 --> 00:03:00,880 Speaker 2: fees as well. 59 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:04,000 Speaker 1: Tayler, have you spoken at these points or have you 60 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,359 Speaker 1: been able to meet with the new health minister about 61 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:07,520 Speaker 1: this funding crisis? 62 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:11,280 Speaker 2: Unfortunately not yet. We've reached out on the number of 63 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:16,400 Speaker 2: occasions though, both through phone calls and letters. We are 64 00:03:16,440 --> 00:03:19,720 Speaker 2: hopeful to keep pushing that because I do feel as 65 00:03:19,760 --> 00:03:24,360 Speaker 2: though we have it speaks for itself. Essentially, we have 66 00:03:24,560 --> 00:03:27,000 Speaker 2: all of it there as to how important and vital 67 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:30,519 Speaker 2: this service is. But at this point we haven't even 68 00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:31,359 Speaker 2: been able to get. 69 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:35,800 Speaker 1: In the doors, so definitely need a meeting with the minister. 70 00:03:36,480 --> 00:03:38,920 Speaker 1: Have you tried accessing funding I know you've spoken to 71 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:41,280 Speaker 1: us about this earlier in the week from the federal 72 00:03:41,280 --> 00:03:45,480 Speaker 1: government or what are the next steps have you Obviously 73 00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:49,040 Speaker 1: the federal government, I know, do have different different grants 74 00:03:49,040 --> 00:03:50,040 Speaker 1: which are accessible. 75 00:03:51,360 --> 00:03:54,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, they do, and we have looked into that. I 76 00:03:54,320 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 2: think the idea of grief and loss, particularly grief and 77 00:03:57,400 --> 00:03:59,920 Speaker 2: loss of a child, is such a niche area and 78 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:03,960 Speaker 2: when you're looking at grants, there's eligibility criteria that are 79 00:04:04,040 --> 00:04:07,440 Speaker 2: quite specific on the types of support that they would 80 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:10,880 Speaker 2: like for us to provide. So we are always keeping 81 00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:13,040 Speaker 2: that door open, and I think where we're at at 82 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:16,520 Speaker 2: the moment is we have been able to do this 83 00:04:16,600 --> 00:04:19,000 Speaker 2: for the past forty years due to the support from 84 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:23,599 Speaker 2: the community and territorians are so giving and that's essentially 85 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:25,039 Speaker 2: what's keeping our doors open. 86 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:28,400 Speaker 1: Now. Have you got any events or anything coming up 87 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:32,080 Speaker 1: that people can dig deep and try to come along to. 88 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:35,279 Speaker 1: I know you'd mentioned that. Obviously, they can jump on 89 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:37,200 Speaker 1: your Facebook page. I had a good look on there 90 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:39,320 Speaker 1: the other day and it does look like it's really 91 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:42,600 Speaker 1: easy to jump on the Amber Andtee Facebook page and 92 00:04:42,640 --> 00:04:45,679 Speaker 1: try and get some further info and maybe make a donation. 93 00:04:45,800 --> 00:04:49,040 Speaker 1: But look, I was so surprised the other day, Taylor 94 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:53,799 Speaker 1: at the number of women that were prepared to call 95 00:04:53,839 --> 00:04:57,080 Speaker 1: me live on air and share their grief, share the 96 00:04:57,120 --> 00:05:00,719 Speaker 1: loss of their children because they really believe you guys 97 00:05:00,760 --> 00:05:04,200 Speaker 1: so much and want to make sure that you're able 98 00:05:04,279 --> 00:05:05,880 Speaker 1: to get some additional funding. 99 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:09,920 Speaker 2: Oh, that absolutely meant the world to me. I was 100 00:05:10,480 --> 00:05:12,920 Speaker 2: there listening every step of the way, and the amount 101 00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:16,279 Speaker 2: of strength and courage it takes to not only share 102 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:20,359 Speaker 2: your story, but to share that to the entire territory 103 00:05:20,400 --> 00:05:23,520 Speaker 2: that is absolutely incredible. And they're the people that we're 104 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:26,960 Speaker 2: doing it for. The mums, the dads, the siblings, the community, 105 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:29,480 Speaker 2: anyone out there that has been impacted by the loss 106 00:05:29,480 --> 00:05:32,480 Speaker 2: of a child. And absolutely our Facebook page to click 107 00:05:32,520 --> 00:05:34,960 Speaker 2: on the link to donate is one option, but we 108 00:05:35,080 --> 00:05:38,839 Speaker 2: have a few other ideas around reaching out to become 109 00:05:38,839 --> 00:05:41,960 Speaker 2: a business sponsor. We've got some packages developed to help 110 00:05:42,320 --> 00:05:45,560 Speaker 2: get other territory businesses names out there as well. In return, 111 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:49,840 Speaker 2: we are encouraging organizations to work with us to become 112 00:05:49,839 --> 00:05:54,200 Speaker 2: a panel member for our EAP Provider List, which is 113 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:58,560 Speaker 2: about providing support to Territorians that are currently employed. We 114 00:05:58,680 --> 00:06:03,040 Speaker 2: also are encoura increasing morning tees, lunches and Christmas parties 115 00:06:03,040 --> 00:06:06,080 Speaker 2: where proceeds raise can go to ensuring that this support 116 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:09,080 Speaker 2: stays in the territory. And then I know the topic 117 00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:11,599 Speaker 2: of money is so tough for Territorians at the moment, 118 00:06:11,880 --> 00:06:15,320 Speaker 2: So even things like reaching out to volunteer some time. 119 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:18,960 Speaker 2: If a business is looking for a charity of choice 120 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:22,520 Speaker 2: and needs our directors of the board to come and volunteer, 121 00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:26,760 Speaker 2: we're happy to do that. Registering any other volunteering events 122 00:06:26,880 --> 00:06:29,560 Speaker 2: Bunnings barbecues, bake sales, and we share a lot of 123 00:06:29,560 --> 00:06:31,200 Speaker 2: that on our social media as well. 124 00:06:31,640 --> 00:06:34,040 Speaker 1: Look what I love about you guys, is you are 125 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:38,560 Speaker 1: You're trying so hard to keep things going and to 126 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:43,719 Speaker 1: you know, to keep this wonderful service going for territory families. 127 00:06:43,800 --> 00:06:47,200 Speaker 1: So please keep in contact with us as well, Taylor. 128 00:06:47,320 --> 00:06:49,960 Speaker 1: Let us know if there's you know, if you've got 129 00:06:49,960 --> 00:06:52,440 Speaker 1: a Bunning's barbecue or anything like that on that we 130 00:06:52,520 --> 00:06:55,680 Speaker 1: can make sure that people are aware of. If there 131 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:58,400 Speaker 1: is any way that we can continue to try and 132 00:06:58,480 --> 00:07:01,080 Speaker 1: keep you guys, We'll keep you know, keep your name 133 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:05,320 Speaker 1: out there and get people donating. Let us know, thanks. 134 00:07:05,120 --> 00:07:07,160 Speaker 2: Katie, and we're here to the very end. We're here 135 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:10,360 Speaker 2: to fight for the entire community. Here where grief and 136 00:07:10,400 --> 00:07:12,320 Speaker 2: lost impact so many people. 137 00:07:12,240 --> 00:07:15,800 Speaker 1: It truly does. Taylor, thank you. I appreciate all the 138 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:17,040 Speaker 1: time you've given us this week. 139 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:19,560 Speaker 2: Thanks Katie, thank you.