An Overview of Fusion International

Fusion is an international youth and community organisation which emerged as a creative response to socially-at-risk young people in Australia. Today, Fusion has over 250 staff and thousands of volunteers in 45 teams and centres in Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Albania, Canada and the Caribbean, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa, India and South Asian region, and Indonesia.

While it began its work among youth, the importance of a healthy and caring community to nurture each new generation has led Fusion into extensive community work in Australia and beyond. Fusion’s services focus on community building and finding a sense of purpose

Philosophically Speaking

Fusion believes that nations will find a sense of direction as they understand their unique social history and the way this has shaped the consciousness of their people. It is as each nation sees what it might become and gives each of its people a chance to fulfil their God-given potential, that hope and harmony are born.

Community Building

It is our belief that providing an individual with meaning and community enables them to become resilient and better able to cope with the crises that life brings. Our services seek to build community and purpose. Fusion Centres are established in response to research of local need and in Australia this has led Fusion into such things as:

Caring For Homeless Youth

For over thirty years Fusion has been caring for young Australians in a range of housing programs. There are currently twelve housing services, offering well over 40,000 nights of accommodation a year.
In addition to its housing programs, Fusion has worked to provide appropriate life models and situations in which young people develop independent life skills and trust relationships as well as a sense of being significant and cared-for individuals.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Over twenty years Fusion has developed a working philosophy of “vocational rehabilitation” that has enabled us to work successfully with many young people. Today Fusion is responsible for employment training programs around Australia, from horticulture to hospitality, from carpentry to welding and as a Registered Training Organisation, we are able to issue nationally recognised certificates for skills learned.

Poatina - Village of Hope

The village of Poatina, 45 minutes from Launceston in Tasmania, Australia was bought by Fusion in 1995. It is a community which blends together permanent residents, students and young people in need. Established as a tourist resort with a motel and restaurant at its heart, Poatina is also the international headquarters of Fusion and the main training centre. Thousands of visitors, both national and international, pass through the community each year.

The Media Marketplace

Realising that the media has a significant value-shaping influence on the community, Fusion has been involved in radio and print media for most of its history. It has its own radio station based at Poatina and manages two community radio stations in Tasmania. Australia. A Media Training Course is conducted as part of Fusion’s training in Poatina.

Fusion's Contribution to Social Policy Development and Action

Fusion staff are involved in all levels of youth and welfare networks including peak national and state bodies. We work closely with local authorities and agencies and in several regions Fusion has been invited by local councils to provide the youth services for the region.

Internationally

A decision was made by the Fusion National Conference in 2003 to deploy staff members to Europe with a view to extending the work overseas. This was prompted by feedback from Asia, Canada and European countries that Fusion’s approach to training and to youth and community work appeared particularly suited to their needs. The growth of the work internationally has been remarkably rapid. This has been possible because of the willingness of local people to take responsibility for their own work, undergirded by training and on-ground support from Fusion.

Fusion International is made up of several hundred team members who are committed to the vision of the movement. Once a year Fusion International meets together to celebrate the work, identify and agree on broad direction for the movement and elect its leaders. Fusion also has a Board of Reference that plays an important role of support and feedback to the elected leaders. Volunteers and others who have worked with Fusion for more than 3 months can apply to become a member.

Board of Reference Names & Positions

The Rt Rev John Harrower, Anglican Bishop of Tasmania.
Pastor David Ling , Apostolic Church Leader, Australia.
Sr. Reba Woodwiss CSB Catholic Representative appointed by the Bishops Conference
Dr. E. J. Boyce OAM, Principal, Pacific Hills Christian School
Rev. Dennis G. Obst , Lutheran Church, South Aust.
Trevor Harvey, Manager, Energy Industry, Western Australia
Graeme Castlehow, Police Superintendent, Western Australia
Rev. Barry Kidson, Baptist Church Leader, former President NSW.
Rev. Laurie Wallace, Consultant Church Leader
Gordon Howell, Alternative Energy Scientist, Canada.
Gordon Howell, Professional Engineer, President, Howell-Mayhew Engineering, Canada.
Martin Ihde, Businessman, Germany.
Ian Hammond. Partner, Accountant. PricewaterhouseCoopers. Sydney NSW

What others have had to say about Fusion

“It was wonderful to witness the harmonious atmosphere when Council, the Bankstown Christian Churches and Fusion Australia came together with a common goal to celebrate a season of goodwill in our community. The positive attitude and willingness to cooperate on the part of each party laid a foundation for the wonderful atmosphere of community accord experienced on the day.” Councillor Helen Westwood, Mayor of Bankstown, NSW

“This is an organization that puts the well being of all people in the community first. Fusion Australia is committed to helping, guiding and assisting people who face various problems in their lives. I have witnessed Fusion Australia staff in action; they are committed, compassionate and understanding in their work with young people, the aged, and people in crisis. Fusion Australia is an organization that I am proud to be associated with.” Dr Tricia A. Fox, Senior Lecturer, Social Welfare, Monash University -Gippsland

“I write to express my deep admiration for FUSION and all the people who work for this organization which has done such great work in Australia. It is over twenty years since I have been associated with FUSION in a whole variety of ecumenical/community ventures.” Bishop Patrick Power, Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

“Fusion also contributed to the entertainment and family atmosphere of the Arafura Games by staging activities at a family fun day. These activities were fantastic in creating a fun environment where athletes and spectators could come together in a safe and friendly atmosphere to participate in team oriented activities.
I commend Fusions activities and thank them for their talents, enthusiasm and efforts. Fusion were professional in all aspects of their delivery and I look forward to working with them again in the future.” Adrian Curry, Arafura Games Director, Darwin

“(Fusion) has also ensured that the care has regard to the particular physical, social, spiritual and environmental care needs of individuals in the community and it has tailored its service delivery to meet particular needs of individuals and communities.” Guy Barnett, Liberal Senator for Tasmania

“I have been actively involved with Fusion over a period of many years, and have been impressed with the work carried out by this dedicated group. Fusion has been proactive in identifying the needs of people, particularly in isolated areas, and those that are financially or socially disadvantaged.” Michael Polley, MHA Speaker of the House of Assembly, Tasmania.