General WACOSS News

WACOSS Management Support Online Workshops 11th & 12th April

WACOSS announces the launch of the WACOSS Management Support Online (MSO) service for not for profit and community based organisations based in Western Australia.

WACOSS MSO is an online comprehensive, integrated and innovative service – a 'one stop convenience shop' that works like a virtual 'help desk' for Managers, Management Committee and Board Members, Staff Teams and Volunteers.

This 2 hour FREE Workshop will provide an in depth orientation and exploration of each of the WACOSS MSO service areas. It will demonstrate how easy it is get what you need, when you need it, and help your organisation to build capability, performance and to profile your organisation for success.

To download the flyer for these workshops click here

For further details and to book your place click here

WACOSS Media Release: WACOSS Calls for Balanced Response to Public Tenancies 5th April

WACOSS cautions against the State's Government's sudden policy change in response to what is described as 'anti-social behaviour' by public housing tenants.
"Violence and aggression are not acceptable in any home – be it public housing or otherwise," said WACOSS CEO, Ms Irina Cattalini.

click here to read the full media release

WACOSS Emerging Issues Forum a Success

WACOSS held its third Emerging Issues Forum on 1 April 2011. The forum was an overwhelming success with over 100 people from the community sector and government in attendance.

WACOSS senior staff and two outstanding guest speakers, Nicky Cusworth, Deputy Director General, Strategic Policy, Department of State Development, and respected former ABC political commentator, Peter Kennedy, provided a comprehensive overview of the emerging social, economic, and sector and service delivery issues facing the community services sector in 2011.

click here to read more

Social Policy Events: RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY PRICES – HAVE YOUR SAY. Community consultation forums for the tariff and concession framework review.

Over last month, WACOSS and the Office of Energy have been conducting community forums on residential electricity prices and energy concessions as part of the Tariff and Concessions Framework Review. Forums were conducted in Esperance, Albany and Kalgoorlie. Two forums were held in Perth.

click here to read more

Commonwealth People's Forum update

The Commonwealth People's Forum (CPF) is one of the strategies the Commonwealth uses to get the people's voice into the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

This is exciting news for the people of Western Australia, as CPF provides a range of ways to for our local community to be involved!

click here to read more

Follow-up from the WA and Australian Civil Society Consultations

The WA and Australian Civil Society Consultations were held on 11 March and 16th March, in Perth and Canberra respectively. The consultations were a great success, and the recommendations reached by the consultation groups were fed into a presentation that Sue Ash recently gave in London to the Civil Society Advisory Committee (CSAC) for the Commonwealth Foundation.

click here to read more

Mental Health Consumer’s Forum – 29 March 2011

On 29 March 2011 the Mental Health Commission held a forum on the proposed Mental Health Consumer Organisation.
The Mental Health Commission is moving to implement a State Government election commitment to tender out to a non-government organisation to establish and maintain a 'peak' mental health consumer body in WA.

click here to read more

Social Policy Events: Tariff and Concession Framework Review Community Consultation Forums

Between the months of March and May, the Office of Energy and WACOSS will be conducting a community forum for the Tariff and Concession Framework Review in each of the following towns; Esperance, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Geraldton, Broome, Port Hedland, as well as two forums in Perth

click here to read more

ACOSS Media Release: Punitive measures are costly and don't work: ACOSS 31st March

The Australian Council of Social Service is disappointed that Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott has decided to pursue failed punitive policies of the past that are contrary to what is needed to help long-term unemployed people and those in disabilities into paid work.

Click here to read more

WACOSS IntERactions Emergency Relief Conference 17- 18th May

This year's ER Conference titled Renaming and Reframing ER, will debate the fundamental issues such as rethinking what we do and how we deliver our services. Guest speakers include Cassandra Goldie, CEO ACOSS, Wilma Gallet, Social Consultant and Author. We also delighted that Graham Mabury will be the MC for the two days. With entertainment on from Boronia Women's Choir and an opportunity to join in the fun with Big Issue Street Soccer. Always an event not to be missed by anyone working at the front line of welfare services. Priced to support everyone's attendance, with subsidies provided for attendance. Click here for more information

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

Free Emergency Relief Training – Budget Counselling, April 12-13, Northam- Postponed

This two-day workshop has been postponed - please email training@wacoss.org.au to register interest

Presentation Skills for the Mortally Terrified April 20, 2011

This workshop is designed for those who currently have little or no experience of public speaking and those that want an opportunity to improve their skills in this area. Presented in a relaxed and friendly environment, you will learn to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently to a group.
Click here for more information, or to book online

Self-Care in the Workplace April 27th

This workshop looks at the role you play in taking care of yourself. It also briefly covers the legal and compliance aspects of the OHS definition of Duty of Care and reviews them from a personal responsibility perspective. If you don't take care of yourself, who will?
For more information, or to book online click here

Free Regional Budget Counselling Workshops

WACOSS will holding Free Budget Counselling workshops on the following dates;

Kalgoorlie April 28-29

Albany May 11-12

Bunbury May 12-13

Please email training@wacoss.org.au if you are interested

Sector News

Utilities Announce dates for Easter Moratoriums on Disconnection and Restriction

WA energy and water retailers have announced dates for moratoriums on disconnection and restriction during the 2011 Easter holiday period.

Click here to read more about Moratorium arrangements for the respective retailers.

Becoming A Constable Care Corporate Partner

Constable Care Child Safety Foundation is a registered charitable organisation. Your business is invited to support the valuable work of Constable Care in the community.

click here to read more

Shelter WA March Newsletter

Click here to read the latest edition of the Shelter WA newsletter. Featured articles include the recently released State of Affordable Housing Report. and the Renting in WAPublic Forum.

Expressions of Interest: ConnectGroups Art Exhibition

ConnectGroups have decided to incorporate an art, photography and poetry exhibition as part of the National Self Help and Support Groups Awareness Day.

Click here to read more

Reinvent your career without quitting your day job – new mental health courses

Curtin University has recently introduced three new part-time mental health pathways at postgraduate level, which are the first of their kind in Australia in that they combine recovery and psychosocial interventions.

click here to read more

Call for abstract submissions, National Men's Health Gathering 2011

The Men's Health Gathering 2011 provides a chance for delegates to participate in strengthening the advancement of male health in the Australasian region and beyond through effective strategic planning and knowledge management.

Abstract submissions for the 6th National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention are now open.

Click here to read more

Panel of Assessors for Residential Care and Secure Care

Are you interested in providing your expertise, experience and commitment to assist the Department of Child Protection improve its services to children and young people in residential care?

Applications are being sought for Assessors to report on the compliance of Residential Group Homes and Secure Care against the standards of the Department

Click here to read more

Funds for Freedom is Launched on International Women's Day

On the Centenary of International Women's Day, 8 March 2011, the Funds for Freedom (FFF) was launched by founding member and advocate, Angela Russo in partnership with the Women's Council for DFV Services, at City West Lotteries House in West Perth. The FFF aims to assist women and children to make a fresh start, after fleeing their homes because of domestic and family violence.

click here to read more

Photocopier – Canon IRC3380 FREE TO GOOD HOME

CommunityWest will be replacing it’s photocopier in approx two weeks time and would like to offer the current machine to another not-for profit organisation.

click here to read more

i.settle.with.it! – Free computer training for migrants and refugees across Australia

Since the end of 2010, WorkVentures has been delivering face-to-face accredited computer training to migrants and refugees across Australia. education and employment.

click here to read more

The 2011 Round of the ACCAN Grants Scheme is now open

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is a not-for-profit organisation and peak body that represents all consumers on communications issues including telecommunications, broadband and emerging new services. The ACCAN Grants Scheme funds consumer research, representation, or education projects relating to communications issues in Australia.

click here to read more

Sector Events

Training and Personal Development Opportunities at Richmond Fellowship WA

Richmond Fellowship WA are holding a number of Training and Personal Development Programs.

Click here for more details on the courses available

Foundation Housing Ltd and The Community Housing Coalition of WA invite you to attend the first of its series of Partnership forums

The forums are an opportunity for you to hear and discuss how Foundation Housing works in partnership with providers to deliver the best outcomes to clients/tenants.

click here for more details

Shelter WA Renting in WA FREE Public Forum

Renting in WA? What are the issues? What is your experience? Shelter WA want to hear from you.

Shelter WA are holding 2 free public forums on the 10th and 25th May.

For further details click here

2011 Western Australian Early Childhood Education and Care Conference June 18th & 19th 2011

Child Australia is pleased to announce the 2011 Western Australian Early Childhood Education and Care Conference "Windows of Opportunity" to be held over the weekend of June 18 & 19, 2011.

Click here to learn more

Conservation Week 15th - 22nd October 2011

Conservation Week is the largest community focused environmental event in WA and is a great opportunity to showcase your group or organisation. To register or sponsor an event visit www.ccwa.org.au or call (08) 9420 7266

Community Sector Jobs

Position Vacant at Big Issue: Vendor Support Coordinator part time

Position Vacant at Identity WA: Disability Support Workers

Positions Vacant at Developmental Disability Council of WA

Position Vacant at Central Agcare Inc: Counsellor

Position Vacant at UWA Student Guild: Education Officer (Financial and Welfare) Part time

Position Vacant at Community Vision: Support Staff- Disability Services