Diamond House Clubhouse

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (17:19): I move:

That this council—

1. Congratulates Diamond House Clubhouse for celebrating its 20^th birthday in May 2016;

2. Recognises the significant work of Diamond House Clubhouse in supporting people who have lived experience of mental illness; and

3. Recognises the important role of Diamond House Clubhouse as a safe place to belong, work and return, and the important work it has achieved in providing programs and services in our community for the past 20 years.

I move this motion today commending the work of Diamond Clubhouse which recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary in this state. It is part of an organisation that is both worldwide—part of the International Center for Clubhouse Development—and in Australia as part of the Clubhouse movement. It is an important part of our non-government sector mental health services. It is founded on a realisation that recovery from a mental illness must involve the whole person in a vital and culturally sensitive community.

Clubhouses follow a psychosocial rehabilitation model designed to support and encourage people with mental health issues. Clubhouses differ from other psychosocial rehabilitation models in that members have equal rights and representation in all aspects of the day-to-day functioning, maintenance and decision-making processes. The Clubhouse model encourages participation in a work ordered day where members engage in meaningful activities side by side with staff.

In the case of the Diamond Clubhouse in South Australia, that particular organisation recently celebrated their 20^th birthday just last month in May. They are currently the only Clubhouse in South Australia and I think worthy of noting for members of this place because it would be good to see Clubhouses expanding their model in our state. I know they are currently undertaking work in Whyalla and are looking to set up there, and I would certainly love to see at least one more Clubhouse in this state sometime soon.

As the only Clubhouse in South Australia currently though, it is a valuable part of the fabric of the NGO mental health sector in a sector that is plagued by underfunding and stigma. They are a valuable and compassionate organisation that assists people who have lived experience of mental illness in achieving social, financial, educational and vocational goals.

Some 20 years ago, in May 1996, it was opened by the then minister for health, the Hon. Michael Armitage MP, and since then it has gone from strength to strength. In the last few years, in furthering their service to the community, Diamond Clubhouse (Diamond House) has formed partnerships with organisations such as Partners in Recovery and the National LGBTI Health Alliance. They have memorandums of understanding with Community Bridging Services, their disability employment partner, and they are currently gearing up for the NDIS to come.

On 27 May, I, along with other members of this council, including the Hon. Stephen Wade, members of the other place, the member for Croydon, the Chief Psychiatrist, the federal member for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler, and the first patron of Diamond Clubhouse, Leon Earle, who I think may be a professor but I will stand corrected, who was actually my sociology lecturer once upon a time—

The Hon. S.G. Wade interjecting:

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: I understand that Sandra Kanck, the former Democrat member of this place, has also had a long involvement with Diamond House and was there on that day, according to the helpful prompts of the Hon. Stephen Wade. We celebrated, along with current and former staff, participants and members of Diamond House in this significant milestone. As always at Diamond House the catering was sensational because catering is a big part of the activities that they provide there and the work that they do.

The importance on the day of Diamond House was brought home by the speakers, the consumers, who shared their stories quite bravely—stories that are not easy to listen to but are so much harder to have lived through. I will not refer to those particular stories, but I will look at some testimonials about the positive impact, which have been provided by members of the clubhouse. These members illustrate why we need more clubhouses in our state, and why Diamond House has been so important in their recovery and in their ability to have meaningful work and a place to go. Theo states:

Before Clubhouse I was lost and confused. I had been in hospital many, many times. I spent the early to mid 90's growing up in a psychiatric hospital. However something was missing. I knew I needed more.

I visited my psychiatrist with my mother one special day in 1996. He told me there was a new place called 'Diamond Clubhouse' which was showing promise. Mum and I were excited. We dropped into the Clubhouse on our way back home. This place had promise—I knew it would 'work'.

All these years later I still attend Diamond House Clubhouse. I learn something new here every day and get stronger and stronger as the years go by.

Diamond Clubhouse has made me into a better person: a person who is mature with his feelings, self confident and who has found some inner peace. I see my friends at Clubhouse as an extended family. Life would not be the same without the Diamond Clubhouse.

Another member of Diamond Clubhouse, Heather, states why Diamond Clubhouse is important to her:

Being in a comfortable atmosphere; saying hello to friends; having a place to go where I feel welcome.

Karen states:

Getting to know members and Staff, and getting along well with them; being a Member on the board; going to Narnu Farm Clubhouse camps; looking after reception.

Lyn states:

Working in the kitchen; getting involved and motivated. The people are pleasant and Clubhouse is a safe place to be.

Christine states:

Chatting with members; making friends; happy company; eating lunches; walks.

Daniel points to:

Database; publishing; chatting with members; learning from Staff and gaining new skills.

Diamond Clubhouse was not without controversy when it was being set up. There was fear from the local residents and the community as to what it might entail. Twenty years later, they have proven all those fears wrong, and they are a wonderful example of the way that we should be dealing with mental health issues in our state, and supporting consumers and carers. We should support those who have a lived experience of mental illness to have full and productive lives to have options and to be a valued part of their communities, and not fear them.

Diamond Clubhouse has shown that there are great strengths in these models. I pay tribute to Kim Smith, who is the director of Diamond Clubhouse. I have known Kim since my days as policy officer at the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia, and she is a powerhouse. Kim is indefatigable, and is a ball of energy and enthusiasm. Without her, I think the Diamond Clubhouse would be the lesser. The power of the membership model means it would actually go on without her, but I pay tribute to her leadership. I also note that there are many students, volunteers and staff members who support the work of Diamond Clubhouse—in particular, Patjana Turcinov, Deanne Kuhn, Brenton Hutchinson, Tan Haotian, Nina Bozanic, and my friend Trish Leydin, who is among the staff and volunteers.

I was there recently, just before the 20^th anniversary, for a wonderful high tea. I certainly had my fill of some delicious cakes and ribbon sandwiches. I also got to draw the lottery and, to the pleasure of Karen, who had been sitting on my table all day and had told me to draw her ticket, I somehow managed to do that. I would like to put it on record, in the parliament, that it was completely random that I drew her lucky ticket out that day. That lottery prize could not have gone to a more deserving person, because Karen works on the reception and she is at the Diamond Clubhouse day in, day out.

I know that many in that community see it as their rock and a great resource. That is what I hope this parliament will see as they look at this motion and make themselves more aware of the work of Diamond Clubhouse. Hopefully we will see more clubhouse model organisations spread across our state, as they have across the world, starting in New York and across several continents now, and we will see clubhouse in Whyalla some time soon, but indeed in other suburbs of our metropolitan areas. With those few words, I commend the motion to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. S.G. Wade.