Elvii - It's a Long Way to Graceland

Melbourne photographer Saville Coble & Zephyr Creative have published a coffee table book which captures Elvis Presley impersonators at the annual Elvis Festival in Parkes, New South Wales. Thirty years after his death the King of Rock 'n' Roll lives on in these amazing photographs of Elvis impersonators in all their rhinestone glory. Every aspect of the production of this book has been generously donated with all the proceeds going directly to support a Mirabel child.

Elvii is available from The Mirabel Collection (Gorgeous Gifts section) for just $40, plus postage & handling.

Laughing Stock

Since our conception, musicians and comedians have been instrumental in the growth of Mirabel. Laughing Stock - Comedy Chefs for Mirabel represents yet another joyous collaboration between performers and Mirabel and features some of the biggest names in Australian comedy. Despite hectic schedules, the Comedy Chefs found time to show off their skills in the kitchen, imbuing their recipes with the same unpredictable imagination of their routines. This must have coffee table cookbook follows on from our 2002 Rock Chefs for Mirabel that featured Australia's top rock musicians sharing their favourite recipes from their kitchen.

Laughing Stock is available at all good book stores or from The Mirabel Collection (Gorgeous Gifts section) for just $24.95, plus postage & handling.

The Damage Undone - Jane Rowe and the Mirabel Foundation

June saw the completion of more than two years work with the launch of Jane Rowe's biography, The Damage Undone. Author Bernadette Clohesy beautifully captures Jane's colourful past and her desire to make a difference that ultimately led to the founding of Mirabel.

The Damage Undone is available at all good book stores or from The Mirabel Collection (Gorgeous Gifts section) for $24.95, plus postage & handling.

‘When the children arrive...‘ A Resource Book for Kinship Carers

'When the Children Arrive...' was written specifically to assist kinship carers address and identify some of the issues and concerns that may arise in this situation. It recognises the impact of taking on the care of these children and the ramifications of a loved one’s substance abuse. Over the years Mirabel has encountered many families from a range of heartbreaking experiences. Their stories of hardship and grief have many commonalities and it is these shared experiences and questions that are touched on in the book. This information, combined with a list of relevant agencies and services located throughout Australia, aims to offer practical advice and emotional reassurance to these families.

Free copies of this national book are available by contacting Mirabel or a local distribution point in your State.

The River of Dreams Children’s CD

Child's Play Incorporated have produced a compilation CD of children’s songs called ‘The River of Dreams’. The purpose of the CD is to raise awareness of the devastating effect parental drug abuse has on children. Its 22 tracks include songs by acts such as The Saddle Club, Don Spencer, Peter Combe, Mister Whiskers, The Ticklish Allsorts, The Jelly Bugs, The Bongo Brothers, The Elastic Band, Cinderella Acappella, Lazy Harry, and Playschool's Benita Collings and John Hamblin.

Mirabel would like to thank Luciano Alvaro, Natalie Alessio, Daniel Fitzsimmons, and Javier Ruiz, the artists involved and the sponsors.

The 'River of Dreams' CD is available from The Mirabel Collection (Gorgeous Gifts section) for $19.95, plus postage & handling.

Rock Chefs for Mirabel

To celebrate the Foundation's 4th year in 2002, The Mirabel Foundation launched a book of culinary delights. Edited by Tracee Hutchison and produced by Chris Christodoulou, 'Rock Chefs for Mirabel' features over 30 Australian musicians who have swapped the stage for a starring role in their kitchens and shared their favourite recipes for the cause.From Tex Perkins' Ugly Ol' Olio to Judith Durham's Red Salad and Tofu and Mandawuy Yunupingu's Sandbaked Stingray, this book is a rare insight into some of Australia's biggest stars. Ella Hooper, Tim Rogers, Deborah Conway, Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst, Vika & Linda Bull, silverchair's Ben Gillies, Rebecca Barnard, Gil Santos & Paul Stewart, Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter, Regurgitator's Quan Yeomans, Dave Graney & Clare Moore, Frenzal Rhomb's Lindsay McDougall and many more are captured in full flight in their kitchens.

All monies raised from the proceeds of this book go directly to support a Mirabel child. 'Rock Chefs for Mirabel' is available from The Mirabel Collection (Gorgeous Gifts section) for $24.95, plus postage & handling.

Rainbow of Feelings

‘A Rainbow of Feelings’ is a snapshot into the journey of many Mirabel children with their artwork providing us with a glimpse of their initial turmoil and sadness through to their restored sense of hope and belonging. This book provides the reader with a clear insight into the tumultuous issues faced by these families and the devastating, far-reaching effect illicit drug addiction has on loved ones. It is a book that illustrates how emotions have a universal language and need no translation.

All monies raised from the proceeds of this book go directly to support a Mirabel child. 'Rainbow of Feelings' is available from The Mirabel Collection (Gorgeous Gifts section) for $19.95, plus postage & handling.

Parental Drug Use – A Recent Phenomenon

This report brings together the current literature available on children and families who have been affected by parental illicit drug use. The research examines the changing nature of Australian society, the emergence of illicit drug use by parents and the development of kinship care as the preferred option for out-of-home care. The paper is intended to assist with the formation of a research agenda, ultimately bringing about positive change for the children and their families.

To view this publication online click here (PDF: 271kb)

Parental Drug Use – The Bigger Picture

This paper provides an overview of the existing research available on the effects of parental illicit drug use on children, with particular regard to the physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of children. Specific consideration is given to the role of child protection services in Australia and the trend to reunify and preserve families. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is discussed in relation to parental drug use, as are the commonalities found with other marginalised groups in the community, specifically parents experiencing mental health issues or intellectual disability.

To view this publication online click here (PDF: 295kb)

The Effects of Parental Drug Use – Children in Kinship Care

The development of kinship families (families where children are being raised by extended family members or family friends) due to the death or abandonment of parents involved in illicit drug use has created a marginalised group of families that seem to have been overlooked by government policy and program development within Australia and possibly throughout the world. This paper examines many of the issues related to kinship care with reference to studies that have taken place internationally. Kinship care is explored in the context of child welfare and child protection and the grief experiences of both children and their kinship carers is discussed. A review is provided of the parenting, financial and legal matters that affect kinship families. Future directions for supporting kinship families are also discussed in some detail.

To view this publication online click here (PDF: 300kb)

Mirabel Newsletter

Catch up on the latest Mirabel news and information in Mirabel’s bi-annual newsletter. To subscribe to Mirabel’s newsletter, e-mail us with your postal details and we’ll post you a copy.

To view the newsletter online click here (PDF: 880kb)

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