General WACOSS News

Major Government Annoucement: Affordable Housing for NGO's in Regional Areas

Communities in the North-West will benefit from State Government funding of $35million to provide affordable housing for non-government organisation (NGOs) employees delivering critical services.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the Royalties for Regions funding would deliver 58 houses in priority Pilbara and Kimberley locations, including Karratha, Newman, South Hedland, Kununurra, Derby, Roebourne, Halls Creek and Broome. Click here to read the government media release in full

WACOSS MEDIA RELEASE: Housing Welcomed for Regional Community Workers 17th August 2011

Community services in the North-West will benefit from a new program announced by the Government today to provide housing for essential workers in non-government organisations.

The community services sector delivers critical services to regional communities, but the lack of affordable housing has made it very difficult to attract and retain workers to provide these services, which are so important to the health and wellbeing of regional areas.

The WA Council of Social Service has welcomed the program, which responds to one of the community sectors key Budget recommendations to improve the viability of services in regional WA. Clcik here to read more.

WACOSS MEDIA RELEASE: Community services struggle to keep up with growing demand in WA August 16 2011

More Western Australians have been turning to community services for help, revealing the growing pressures on individuals and families who rely on the support of community services.

The increasing demand for social services and support is a consistent national trend, but there are some interesting and important differences in the latest data for WA. Click here to read more

WACOSS PBS Regional Consultation Underway

Every year WACOSS presents a pre-budget submission (PBS) to the State Government that outlines the priorities of the community service sector for social expenditure in the next year's State Budget. WACOSS is running a series of workshops in Regional locations across WA over the next month. Including Geraldton, the Pilbara, Kimberly and South West regions. Click here to book.

The Council considers this an important part of its role as an advocate for the sector, and is keen to continue to improve the effectiveness of its consultation, the quality of the information we compile, and the influence of the PBS process on the State Governments funding and policy priorities. Click here to read more

Have your say and win a free registration to the 2012 WACOSS Conference

WACOSS has commenced planning for our biennial Conference held on the 8th to 10th May 2012.

You can contribute your thoughts and ideas to the conference by following the link and filling in the short survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WACOSS2012Conference plus go in the draw to win a free registration to the conference valued at approximately $400.

Community Sector Reforms

WACOSS is interested in your feedback on implementing;

the state governments new procurement contracting reforms,
15% state funding increases
Industrial relations reforms

Your feedback is important in helping WACOSS to support the implementation of the recent reforms and to work towards continual improvement of community services funding, contracting and workforce development and retention.

Click here to read more

Commonwealth People's Forum 2011

The next Commonwealth People's Forum will be held in Perth, Western Australia, from 25 to 27 October 2011.

The Commonwealth People's Forum (CPF), brings together civil society representatives from around the world, to discuss and debate key issues facing Commonwealth people. Held every two years in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the CPF is the single biggest opportunity for civil society to engage with Commonwealth leaders on global development issues.

Click here to read more

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

WACOSS Pre Budget Submission Regional Consultations

Pilbara Community Consultation Forum Tuesday 23rd August

1:00pm- 3:30pm
Venue: Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre, 65 Cnr Throssell and Hamilton Rd, South Hedland
Click here to register

Kimberley Community Consultation Forum Wednesday 24th August

9:00 – 11:30am
Venue: Broome Lotteries House, Lot 642 Cable Beach Rd, Broome
Click here to register

South West Community Consultation Forum Monday 29th August

1:30pm - 4:00pm
Venue: Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries
Click here to register

Effective Decision Making – 29 August 2011

This course is designed for you to reflect on how you make decisions and will give you some tools to assist you to be an effective decision maker. For all the details and to register online, please click here.

Writing Policy and Procedures – 5 September 2011

Learn how to effectively create policies and procedures for your organisation. For all the details and to register online, please click here.

Taking the Stress out of Time Management – 8 September 2011

Time Management training is ideal for anyone who has countless tasks demanding their attention and who needs to juggle conflicting priorities.

Learn to improve planning, set goals and feel more in control of your work load at this workshop. For all the details and to register online, please click here.

Finding Your Inner Accountant – 13 September 2011

This one day workshop provides an overview of the financial information community organisations need to know and covers basic financial management, key accounting concepts and all aspects of financial reporting relating to community groups. For all the details and to register online, please click here.

Rockingham: How to be a Strategic Board Member – 19 September 2011

This is a workshop for people who are already on a board, and have a good understanding of the rights, responsibilities and legalities of boards.

Want to do more than just turn up to Board meetings and pass decisions? If you want to contribute more effectively to lead your organisation to have an impact, then this is the course for you! For all the details and to register online, please click here.

Sector News

Community Leaders in Action’, a new initiative of Leadership WA

Are you in a leadership role and keen to support other community not for profits with your professional skills, whilst enhancing your ongoing leadership development and networks?

Leadership Western Australia is offering a new and innovative program; “Community Leaders in Action”. The program offers 5 exciting sessions to emerging or experienced leaders from the not for profit, corporate, and public sectors who want to enhance their social and community leadership and contribute pro bono to the not for profit sector. The program concludes with a supported community project placement tailored to each participant’s skills, interest, and availability. Contact Manager Community Engagement, Anna Paris (08) 9449 6630 or community@leadershipwa.org.au for further details. Click here to download the flyer

WA Guidance Documents for the National SCOA

WA Guidance Documents for the National SCOA are now available on the Department of Treasury website. Click here to view

Aussie Eyes Opened by Photographic Exhibition Linking Disability and Poverty

People with disabilities in Cambodia and the Solomon Islands have been empowered to tell their stories for a unique photographic exhibition at the Bell Tower, Perth 12 August to 26 August.

Click here to view the full Media Release. Click here to view the flyer and click here for further information

Sector Events

'Change and Loss' Seminar 24th August 2011

Life can throw up major alterations at work, including redundancy and retirement, as well as severe blows such as illness, accidents, separation and the death of people close to us. All involve loss and the necessity for major adjustments so that you can move on and grow from the experience.

WHEN:Wednesday 24 August 2011 9.30-4.30

WHERE: 15 Cambridge Street, West Leederville

For further information please contact Relationships Australia on 9489 6322

Health Issues Group Community Forum 1st September 2011

Is it difficult for you to afford prescription medicines?

The Australian government subsidises the cost of prescription medicines through Pharmaceutical Medicines Scheme (PBS). Over the past few years patient out-of-pocket costs for PBS medicines have increased substantially, and many people are now struggling to pay for their prescriptions. The Health Consumer’s Council and The University of Western Australia are hosting a community discussion about the cost of prescription medicines. We want to know how community members are coping with PBS medicine costs, and what changes to the PBS would help to reduce the burden of medicine costs.

Click here to find out mor about this forum

ACOSS Energy Forum: Canberra 13th September 2011

Energy at home: Current issues for consumers. Prices, products, pressures, protections. And politics.

A briefing and discussion. For legislators, policy makers, industry, consumer advocates

Parliament House, Canberra. Tuesday 13 September, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Click here for further information

Driving In Western Australia DVD Launch 13th September 2011

The Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre has just completed the production of an educational DVD about driver’s licences and common driving problems in Western Australia. Click here to read more

2011 ACSWA Leaders Symposium 22nd September 2011

The 2011 ACSWA Leaders Symposium is a one-day program specifically catered to WA’s aged care sector and focussing on how to manage ongoing change, how the general economy has an impact and what managers should be considering in the areas of financial and operational risk. Click here to download the flyer

Upcoming Workshops at Richmond Fellowship WA

Richmond Fellowship WA are holding the following courses in August

5 September 2011 - Starting the Conversation - Engaging families where there is psychosis, some psychodynamic perspectives. With Dr Brian Martindale

Recovery Seminar Series
6 September 2011 - Critically Understanding Mental Illness
7 September 2011 - Recovery in Mind: For more information

Hearing Voices Training
20 September 2011 - Reconceptualising Hearing Voices: An introduction to the 'Hearing Voices Approach'
21 September 2011 - Reconceptualising Hearing Voices: Working with Voices

Click here for further information on these courses

On Friday 7th October 2011 Communicare will be holding it's first ever Fashion Friday Fundraiser.

Communicare will be holding a lunch time event which will incorporate a fashion show from three local Perth designers to raise funds to support children and youth at risk in Western Australia.

Designers attending on the day include FuMoso, Love in Tokyo and Tiah.

Plus there'll be some great live acoustic music while you enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch and the beautiful views from the South of Perth Yacht Club Ball Room.

Download an invitation to register to attend. Seats are strictly limited

Bridges Out of Poverty: An Overview with Nairn Walker 14th October 2011

10 am – 4pm Friday 14th October, Progress Hall, Paget St, Hilton

Cost: $99 per person including lunch

Based on the work of Dr Ruby Payne, this insightful presentation will assist you to understand the unique challenges faced by people experiencing economic disadvantage and how economic disadvantage shapes people’s actions and attitudes.

Providers of services to people experiencing economic disadvantage often make ‘middle class’ assumptions regarding the person’s level of resources and capacity to help themselves. We then often find ourselves frustrated when our attempts to help people fail. This presentation will bring the unconscious assumptions we make to our awareness and give us tools to really understand and help those people who come to us for assistance on a daily basis.

Click here for further information. To learn more about Nairn Walker click here.
To book your place visit: www.trybooking.com/SMJ

I have attached further information including a Bio of Nairn Walker. This workshop is open to all who wish to attend although we are limited in the number of places we can accommodate so early attention is critical.

To book your place simply register at www.trybooking.com/SMJ

Walk against Parkinsons!

Join the 800 people in Western Australia and the golden voice of 6PR Radio, Tony Mac, who will be taking a united stand at the Parkinson's WA 2011 Unity Walk.
The event is a fun way for family, friends, loved ones and supporters to make a difference in the lives of people living with Parkinsons. Click here to read this article in full

Free Community Education Workshops

City of Stirling Family Services would like to invite you to attend the following FREE parenting teenagers workshops;

August 17th- Raising Teenage Girls
August 24th- Mums Raising Boys
August 31st- Parenting with Today's Technology
September 7th- Solving Differences Using S.I.R

Bookings essential. Click here for more information

Living Life to the Full with a Chronic Condition Forum 27th October

Do you have a chronic condition?
Do you care for someone with a chronic condition?
Then this FREE forum is for you. It's been developed by consumers and carers like you!

You can:

Learn about living life to the full with a chronic condition
Find out about help available to manage your condition
Understand Chronic Disease Care Plans and how to get the best care from your GP
Discover how your chronic condition story can make a difference
Obtain up to date information for consumers and carers
Hear from the Chief Medical Officer of the WA Department of Health

Most importantly...
Share your experiences and build relationships with others living with chronic conditions

Date Thursday, 27 October 2011
Time 10.00 am – 3.30 pm (registration from 9:30 am)
Venue The Boulevard Centre, 99 The Boulevard, Floreat
Click here to download a Registration Form

Count Me In Awards 2011

The Disability Services Commission's Count Me In Awards recognise and reward the outstanding efforts of individuals, government, private enterprise, business and education and training organisations for projects or initiatives which create more welcoming and accessible communities for people of all abilities.

The Awards are part of Disability Awareness Week and will be presented on Thursday, 1 December at Burswood Entertainment Complex, in recognition of the large number of events held on 3 December, the International Day of People with Disability.

Submissions are now invited for the 2011 awards from individuals, businesses, education and training providers, state and local governments, developers, planners and architects. This year, organisations funded by the Disability Services Commission are also eligible to nominate activities or projects not funded directly by the Commission.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday, 30 September 2011. Click here for further information

Community Sector Jobs

If you would like to advertised your vacancies on the WACOSS/ANSON Community Jobs page please contact John Broweleit at ANSON at jbroweleit@anson.com.au