community
RAA staff join forces with the team from Backpacks 4 SA Kids.
Bringing joy to vulnerable kids this Christmas
For many of us, Christmas is a time for family get-togethers, festive cheer and the joy of sharing gifts. But for those impacted by domestic violence, homelessness or hardship, there can be little to be joyful about.
Each year, the charity Backpacks 4 SA Kids runs a toy drive for children in emergency care. By donating new toys suitable for children of all ages, South Australians can help ensure Santa delivers gifts to vulnerable children this Christmas.
Founder of Backpacks 4 SA Kids Rachael Zaltron says the toy drive aims to put the joy back into Christmas for kids who’ve faced crisis and trauma, and are displaced from their home and staying in emergency services care.
“By providing a simple gift, we remind the kids who need us most that they’re worth it and are just as special as others in their community,” Rachael says.
Toys can be dropped off at collection points throughout the state, including all RAA Shops in the city, suburbs and regional areas.
RAA will deliver the donated toys to Backpacks 4 SA Kids, where a team of volunteers, including RAA staff, will wrap and deliver them.
If you want to get involved, toys can be dropped off at RAA shops between 30 October and 16 December.
For information on suitable toys and drop-off locations, visit backpacks4sakids.org.
Stay safe around water this summer
The warm weather has arrived, which means it’s time to head for the water. Whether it’s a beach, lake, river or swimming pool, there are plenty of places to cool off as the temperature rises.
But fun in the water can quickly turn to tragedy. Royal Life Saving’s latest drowning report reveals there were 33 summer drowning deaths in South Australia between 2017–18 and 2022–23. Of these, 43 per cent occurred in a river or creek, 14 per cent at the beach, and the rest in private swimming pools, bathtubs, and around oceans and harbours.
So how can we keep ourselves, family and friends safe around water?
The South Australian Government warns Murray River visitors to be aware of strong currents and to only swim in slow-moving water free of submerged hazards.
Check the depth of water and enter slowly – never jump or dive in – and always wear a lifejacket, particularly when boating. If you’re using a motorboat or jet ski, keep an eye out for swimmers, skiers and kayakers.
Take care around slippery riverbanks; it’s not uncommon for people to unintentionally find themselves in the Murray.
Andrew Henry from Surf Lifesaving SA’s VACSWIM program travels around the state providing swimming and safety instruction for local communities. He has some valuable advice for beachgoers.
“It’s important to plan your experience,” Andrew says. “Check out all the information about a location before hitting the water. If you’re unfamiliar with an area, have a chat with the locals.”
He explains that a section of beach without waves may not necessarily be the safest spot to swim. It might suggest there’s a rip current that could carry swimmers out to sea.
“In some places, an incoming tide can turn a shallow part of a beach into deep water, trapping people on sandbars,” Andrew says.
“It’s also important to check the local weather and wind direction; a strong wind can suddenly create rough conditions and blow swimmers further out, particularly if they’re aboard an inflatable device.”
On patrolled beaches, always swim between the flags and, if you get into difficulty, float on your back and raise your arm for help.
Wherever you’re heading this summer, this general advice applies to all bodies of water:
- Learn to swim.
- Always actively supervise children.
- Alcohol and drugs and water don’t mix.
- Don’t swim alone or at night.
- Learn first-aid and CPR.
Taking the next step in RAA’s RAP journey
Reconciliation Australia is a not-for-profit group that works with organisations to promote reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community.
Reconciliation Australia’s RAP framework provides a structured approach to further the reconciliation movement in Australia. The four types of RAP are Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.
A Reflect RAP outlines the initiatives an organisation will undertake to further reconciliation efforts. RAA’s Reflect RAP launched in March 2022 and we’ve recently fully delivered on our commitments.
This included opportunities in employment and education, as well as funding through our Grassroots Giving grants program to support reconciliation activities in South Australia and Broken Hill. We also highlighted the importance of Acknowledgement of Country with our staff and members.
Reconciliation Australia has now endorsed RAA’s Innovate RAP and we look forward to continuing our reconciliation journey.
RAA’s wonderful Innovate RAP artwork (pictured) was created by Elizabeth Close, a Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara woman from the APY Lands in Central Australia, who now lives and works in Kaurna Country.
Save the date for RAA's 120th AGM
It’s that time of year again, with the RAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Monday 27 November at 1.30pm. The AGM will be held in-person at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 98 Port Road, Hindmarsh.
At the AGM, we will bid farewell to outgoing RAA President and Chairman of the Board, Peter Siebels. Peter joined the RAA Board in 2008 and has served as President and Chairman since 2019. He will be continuing to offer his support by serving as a Director for a further year, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
In this year’s election, five candidates nominated to fill two vacancies on the RAA Board of Directors, and the two elected candidates will be declared on the day.
Voting in the Board election has now closed, but if you’d like to find out more about this year’s AGM, including how to vote on the Special Resolution item, or RSVP, head to raa.com.au/AGM.
IMAGES: Getty, RAA.
