Hey again! It’s been a while…

This is my first post of many regarding the RMIT University Media studio, ‘Non-fiction Design – Lentara’. There’s clearly two parts in that title that will come to overlap through the duration of this 12-week course. Prior to the first tutorials, the idea of ‘non-fiction design’ seemed straightforward and understandable enough; creating truthful media content related to real world agendas. However as for the joint organisationI will be working with throughout the semester, Lentara, I felt a lot more in the dark.

Before further insight thanks to an expansive introduction by Lentara brand and media officer Jeff Jones, my understanding of Lentara relied upon a Google search and skimming over its website. My initial understanding of Lentara was small, simply as an NFP (non-for-profit) organisation that provides aid to asylum seekers and the underprivileged in Australia.

After Jeff’s presentation Friday morning, I feel like an expert on Lentara, typing down so many facts and figures I lost count. I was astounded how big Lentara is, and how great a positive impact it makes on multiple groups within urban, rural and remote communities. I realised that while there is a significant focus on aiding asylum seekers, with housing, basic living allowances and support groups among many other assistance methods, Lentara also provides help for those needing emergency relief, financial counselling, the homeless, and has significant focus on helping aid and educate children. As Jeff Jones stated, Lentara provides services “irrespective of cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or disability”

Here’s just a few of the statistics that resonated about Lentara, a sub-organisation of the UnitingCare church:

• $535,000 raised in donations in the last financial year
• Lentara has 464 staff across 40 sites, with 200 pivotal active volunteers.
• 3000+ asylum seekers have been assisted with rent free housing in the past 18 years
• The Uniting Care Church supports 2 million+ people annually, while Lentara helped over 15,000 throughout the last year.
• Lentara provides over 6200 food parcels and served over 4000 free meals to those in need.

If you couldn’t tell by those statistics, Lentara and Uniting Care are incredible organisations, providing exceptional support for numerous individuals and families in need. I’m thoroughly looking forward to collarborating with this organisation and creating media content that can make a positive change within Australian society.

Until next time.