General WACOSS News

SOCIAL POLICY MEMBERS EVENT: Changing the Statutory Definition of a 'Charity' 30th November

WACOSS CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CHANGE

WACOSS invites members to an opportunity to contribute to the WACOSS submission on the proposed Federal reforms redefining the notion of charity.

This consultation will provide the NFP sector with the opportunity to comment on the form of a definition of charity and charitable purposes that is most appropriate for Australia.

Click here for more information

Housing & Affordable Living Forum 12th December

WACOSS and Shelter WA present a forum of Housing & Affordable Living on the 12th of December.

Almost 90,000 households in Western Australia are in housing stress. After paying for housing costs they’re at risk of financial hardship and poverty. Come hear about the latest State initiatives to boost the supply of affordable housing.
This forum will also integrate the affordable housing challenge into a broader conversation around affordable living. Plus the WA Launch of the
Australians for Affordable Housing national campaign!

Click here for more information

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - WACOSS 2012 Conference The Big Picture

The West Australian Council of Social Service has great pleasure inviting you to participate in the
WACOSS 2012 Conference THE BIG PICTURE by submitting an abstract for consideration by the conference
committee to present at the Conference or Cross Sectoral Collaboration Day.
The Conference will be focusing on the Big Issues for community services, the sector and civil society at
large. Beyond tackling our own organisation challenges we can work collaboratively to drive change and
use our collective voice to build a united civil society built on the principles of social justice and community
engagement. The two day Conference follows a full day community and government networking event
focused on working in collaboration to achieve a sustainable community service sector.

Click here for more information

Community Leadership Program - Graduation

The Community Leadership Program Graduation for participants of Program 9 (2010-2011) took place on Monday, November 14 at the Subiaco Hotel. At this event, graduates were presented with their Diplomas of Management in front of their mentors, colleagues, family and friends. The guest speaker was WACOSS CEO Irina Cattalini, who spoke about the leadership lessons she has learned since completing the program herself in 2007. Jodie Smyth from UnitingCare West also spoke on behalf of the graduates, highlighting the importance of learning from her peers throughout the program.

The Community Leadership Program is delivered by WACOSS each year in partnership with MODAL – a Registered Training Organisation and business consultancy. 150 community sector leaders have already taken part in the program since its inception in 2003. If you are interested in being involved in the next program (commencing October 2012) please email training@wacoss.org.au to register your interest.
Click here to see photos from the graduation

Calling all Graduates!

If you have completed the Community Leadership Program in the past – we want to hear from you! Contact training@wacoss.org.au to update your contact details and be involved in future alumni programs.

SAVE THE DATE: WACOSS Members Event, New Year Sector Breakfast 20th January 2012.

On the 20th of January 2012 WACOSS Members and special guests will gather at Mt Eliza House, Kings Park for the Annual New Year Sector Breakfast. Keep the date free and more details will be available soon. Click here to check if you are currently a member of WACOSS or email Membership and Communications Officer Carly Guise to check your status, carlyguise@wacoss.org.au

Closing the Social Divide

WACOSS Pre-Budget Submission for the WA State Budget 2012-13

The Western Australian Council of Social Service this week launched its submission to the 2012-13 State Budget.

The pre-budget submission focuses on building a sustainable future for the benefit of all Western Australians, particularly the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and excluded in our community.

It represents the combined knowledge and on the ground experience of front-line community services across Western Australia. Click here to read more

WACOSS AGM

WACOSS would like to thank all members and invited guests that attended the WACOSS AGM on the 10th of November at City West Receptions.

Over 60 people attended the AGM, presided by outgoing President Chris Hall. Chris Hall was farewelled with speeches from former CEO Sue Ash, fellow Board member Ian Carter and special guest Rebecca Brown. Guest speaker Minister Robyn McSweeney addressed the membership on the State governments commitment to the Community Service Sector. The AGM provided an opportunity to acknowledge the sad passing of one of our life members earlier this year, Mr Frank Cross. Frank was remembered for his long and proud history of supporting the sector as both a WACOSS member, past President and more broadly for his work across the community sector. Click here to read more

WACOSS MEDIA RELEASE: WACOSS Welcomes Pay Rise Agreement 11th November

The Western Australian Council of Social Services has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister of an agreement with the Australian Services Union to propose significant pay rises to close the gender wage gap for community service workers.

"The Council applauds the agreement on proposed pay increases ranging from 19 – 42% for underpaid community service workers in Western Australia," said Irina Cattalini, the Council's CEO.

The gender pay gap is most pronounced in Western Australia, where women earn on average 28% less than their male counterparts as compared to a national gender pay gap of 18%.

Click here to read this media release in full

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

Reducing the financial impact of Essential Services through Living Smart Households 5th December 2011

Are your clients struggling to meet growing energy, water and transport costs? Concerned about continued essential service price hikes?
This workshop will introduce you and your organisation to the successful Living Smart Households program, run by the Department of Transport. Living Smart Households builds upon the independent small group Living Smart courses to provide a 12 month supportive program that helps participants reduce their energy, water and car use.

Click here for more information

Writing Successful ICT Grant Applications – 6th December 2011

Does ICT seem like a foreign language to you? Successfully applying for Grants can make or break a not-for-profit organisation's budget. This workshop focuses on the Lotterywest ICT Grant Process and what you need to know to increase the chances of your next Grant being successful. Learn the secrets that will make this process quicker, easier and more effective.
For all the details and to register online, please click here.

Sector News

Funding and Contracting Reforms: Why there are changes.

If you are a not-for-profit organisation, you are likely to be aware that there are some significant changes to how these organisations receive funding and contracting. So why is this?
In December 2010 the Partnership Forum, at the request of the Premier, provided advice to the WA State Government regarding the issue of inadequate funding levels to the community sector and the need to establish both an immediate and sustainable resolution to the funding shortfall, including the need to reform contracting and implementation arrangements between the government and not-for-profit sector. Click here to read more.

Foodbank Survey- Help Us Get the Complete Picture on Hunger

Very little information exists on the depth and breadth of food insecurity in Australia. With your help we are looking to address this shortcoming via this survey with two main aims in mind. Firstly to better quantify the problem when raising awareness within government and amongst the Australian public and secondly to gain a better understanding of your food needs so we can improve our capacity to meet them in the future.

Click here to download a copy of the survey

Looking for more office space in Mirrabooka?

Finding appropriate office space for delivering community services in Mirrabooka has been a challenge for many providers for some time.
To help address this issue CLAN WA is scoping the interest to develop a shared space for working together.

You may be looking for full time office space, weekends, or just 1-2 days/week.
Alternatively, you may be a funder possibly interested in supporting such an initiative.
Please let us know by following this link to complete a quick questionnaire (5 mins).

The space we are currently looking at is the old medical centre opposite Centrelink.

Have your say- National Regulatory System Community Housing

Public consultation in Western Australia on a National Regulatory System for community housing is now underway. The new system aims to grow the industry, create a level playing field for housing providers Australiawide, and better protect tenants through consistent national standards for providers and their services.

Visit www.nrsch.gov.au for more information, to comment or make a formal submission on the Regulatory Impact Statement. Submission period closes 5pm AEST, 20 January 2012.

Treasury's Not-For-Profit Reform Newsletter

Click here to read Issue 2 of the Treasury's Not-For-Profit Reform Newsletter.

Communicare Corporate Claus

We’ve all heard the adage - Christmas is a time of giving. This year, Communicare is appealing to WA businesses to stand with us and do just that – GIVE – this festive season.

Each year Communicare, through generous support from the community and businesses, are able to provide gifts to families for children who may not otherwise have received a gift on Christmas morning.

This year, many families are struggling under the pressure of the increasing cost of living and the number of families requiring assistance is rising, which means we are expecting greater demands for gifts this Christmas and need your help more than ever. Click here to read more

Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Awards 2012

Nominations are now open for the Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Awards 2012.

The awards recognise Western Australian individuals, organisations and businesses who have achieved excellence and innovation in advancing a multicultural society through participation, equity and promotion.

The awards provide an invaluable opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of many Western Australians who have accomplished outstanding work in advancing multicultural inclusiveness and participation.

Click here for more information.

Click here to download the Guidelines and Nominations form

National Homelessness Services Achievement Awards nominations now open

The National Homelessness Services Achievement Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions that community organisations make to supporting people who are homeless in our communities. The Awards celebrate excellence and innovation by organisations, services and programs responding to the needs of people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

If your service or organisation, or one you know, has made a significant contribution to addressing homelessness issues—either at a local, regional, state or national level—tell us about it by nominating for a National Homelessness Services Achievement Award.

To nominate, you can download the guidelines and nomination forms from www.fahcsia.gov.au, or call 1800 702 866 or email homelessnessawards@fahcsia.gov.au to order a hard copy.

Nomination period extended to 5pm EDT Friday 16 December 2011.

Settlement services online directory launched

A new online directory of information on settlement services for migrants and humanitarian entrants to Western Australia has been launched by the State Government.

It contains information about services and programs targeting people who have entered Australia under the Humanitarian Program.

Areas of priority are education, employment, health, housing, justice, language services, transport, civic participation, and family and social support.

Click here for further information

How To Save Money With Grocery Unit Pricing

Click here to read an article by Ian Jarrat from the Queensland Consumers Association on How to save money with unit pricing.

Consultation Paper - A Definition of Charity

The Government has released a Consultation Paper on the definition of charity as part of a consultation process to provide interested parties with an opportunity to comment.

Click here to read more

Mary Reibey Grant of $50,000 for Australian women in our communities

There truly is something about Mary, Mary Reibey that is. Our colonial woman entrepreneur pictured on the Australian $20 note continues to bring prosperity though, in this millennium, to the businesswomen of Australia.

For nearly two years now Ruby has been on the path of accelerating the potential of women executives through awarding Mary Reibey Scholarships in partnership with the Australian Graduate School of Management Executive Programs. Click here to read more

Space Available

To let: Office space for a community organisation in Bayswater opposite to train station and on Circle Bus route. Size: 20 Square metres- Suit two to three people. Includes use of shared meeting room, kitchen, photocopier etc. Rental $650 per quarter plus approx $150 per quarter for cleaning, electricity etc. Very convenient post office, bank, pharmacy and food shops. Please contact the Executive Officer (Alison Linden), Friends of Oxfam Australia, 5 King William Street, Bayswater by email at friends@oxfam.org.au or by telephoning 92628200 on Tuesdays.

Speakers Available

The Health Consumers’ Council have volunteer speakers available to provide free presentations (in metro and country areas) to communities about:

The WA Health System
Rights and responsibilities of Health Consumers
Emerging healthcare issues faced by patients and families
Services and Activities at the Health Consumers’ Council

Attached also are the posters with information regarding the presentations. The objective of these presentations is to increase public knowledge of the WA Health System so as to equip communities with the necessary knowledge or information to be able to make informed decisions about their health and plans for their healthcare. At the same time this is also aimed at increasing their confidence in achieving the best health outcomes within the healthcare systems.

We are keen to come out and present to you and would welcome any opportunity to present to your staff/members. If you are interested in hosting our presentations, please do not hesitate to contact Caroline at 9221 3422 or caroline.rugdee@hconc.org.au .

Western Australian Consumer Protection Awards 2012

Are you or someone you know a champion for consumer rights?

The Awards aim to reward and recognise consumer advocates in our community. We are seeking nominees who are working to promote or protect consumer rights, such as: assisting consumers with money management, educating the community about scams, striving for a better deal for consumers in the marketplace or creating safer products.

Click here for more details

Have you completed the Online Brief Tobacco Intervention Training Program?

November is Lung Health Awareness Month (including World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] Day on 16 Nov). Given that smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for chronic respiratory problems, it is an opportune time to complete the Online Brief Tobacco Intervention Training Program, developed by the National Drug Research Institute for Smoke Free WA Health.
Over 600 people have completed the training to:

learn about the nature of tobacco smoking in Australia
understand the Smoke Free WA Health Policy
achieve competency in delivering brief intervention and motivational interviewing.

The Training is FREE, takes approximately two hours and does not need to be completed in one sitting.
For more information about the Training contact Smoke Free WA Health (Health Networks) on 9222 0200 or healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au

New Certificate IV Relationship Education (Chc42408)

Relationships Australia WA has traditionally offered a five-day course in Group Facilitation Skills, focusing on how to run groups, in particular psycho-education groups. From 2011 the course will now be delivered as part of the new Certificate IV in Relationship Education (CHC42408), a nationally recognised qualification. Module 1 of the Certificate IV in Relationship Education builds on the original course and will be delivered in 9 days, over a 6 week period. Four Modules make up the Certificate IV in Relationship Education and will be delivered over a 12 month period, at Relationships Australia, West Leederville, Perth WA. Relationships Australia WA has traditionally offered a five-day course in Group Facilitation Skills, focusing on how to run groups, in particular psycho-education groups. From 2011 the course will now be delivered as part of the new Certificate IV in Relationship Education (CHC42408), a nationally recognised qualification. Module 1 of the Certificate IV in Relationship Education builds on the original course and will be delivered in 9 days, over a 6 week period. Four Modules make up the Certificate IV in Relationship Education and will be delivered over a 12 month period, at Relationships Australia, West Leederville, Perth WA. Click here to learn more

Sector Events

Community Forums Raising Awareness Around Stress, Depression and Suicide

Lifeline WA has held a number of community forums designed to raise awareness around stress, depression and suicide. Feedback from these has been excellent. Lifeline believes that many suicides are preventable and that we can all play a part in this. No qualifications or special skills are needed.

Click here for more information

Upcoming Workshops at Anglicare

Assessment and Intervention for Perpetrators of Family and Domestic Violence (30th Nov and 1st Dec 2011)
This workshop is designed for professionals currently working or desiring to work in the field of Family and Domestic Violence.
It will focus on therapeutic models used to work effectively with perpetrators of family and domestic violence such as Dr Steven Stosny’s Compassion/Power Model and Alan Jenkin’s Invitation to Responsibility within the framework of The Duluth Model.
CLICK Here for further info

Case Management for Community Workers (13th December)
This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to develop their understanding of the use of case management in community-based settings. The workshop will explore case management and the use of engagement, assessment, goal setting and review to motivate clients to make positive life changes.
CLICK Here for further info

Vocational Graduate Diploma Of Family Dispute Resolution
Anglicare WA Training Services is a Registered Training Organisation and is offering a Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution. The qualification can be obtained through face to face delivery, recognition of prior learning (RPL) or a combination of these methods.
CLICK Here for further info

ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

Lifeline WA is running a 2-day ASIST course on Wednesday 30th November and Thursday 1 December 2011.

ASIST is part of the LivingWorks suite or programs and is considered the international benchmark in suicide prevention training. It has been delivered to more than 100 million people world-wide and is the most researched, developed and evaluated suicide intervention program in the world. Click here to read more

Fremantle Multicultural Centre Employment Workshops for Migrants 5th December 2011

Are you looking for a job and would like a little help?
Fremantle Multicultral Centre are running a number of workshops to make you better prepared.

Click here for more information

Strictly Hypothetical City Farm Fundraiser 9th of December

In the spirit of Geoffrey Robertson, Strictly Hypothetical is a truly different night out!

Help raise funds for City Farm's inagural Food Film Festival in 2012, as we sink our teeth into some of today's juiceist food issues!

When: 9th December from 5.30pm, show @ 7.15pm
Where: City Farm, East Perth

Click here for more details

Expo of Rural Support Services- Wheatbelt and Great Southern

Rural Community Support Service and the Town of Narrogin would like to invite you and your staff to an Expo of Rural Support Services in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern to create new networks and strengthen existing inter-agency collaborations. Whilst we appreciate the time pressures that services are under, we have planned the Expo as an opportunity to take the time out to “recharge our batteries” by building stronger networks and gaining a more comprehensive understanding of other services, therefore allowing us to be more effective in our work and to create a seamless referral system. If your service delivery area covers any part of this region and in particular rural communities we hope you are able to join us.

Click here for more information on the expo.

Click here for information on the Sundowner on the 14th of December.

Conversations on Ageing with the Federal Minister for Mental Health & Ageing

On 8 August 2011, the Federal Government released the final report from the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into aged care “Caring for Older Australians”. The report canvasses issues about current aged care services and proposed new ways of providing support to older people in our community.

Older Australians, their families and carers are invited to participate in a conversation on ageing with Federal Minister for Mental Health & Ageing Mark Butler on:

14th December in Victoria Park. Click here for details.
14th December in Warwick. Click here for details
15th December in Fremantle. Click here for details

Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Awards 2012

Nominations are now open for the Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Awards 2012.

Click here to read more

Blooming Minds at Work Symposium

Blooming Minds is hosting: Blooming Minds at Work Symposium in early 2012, and are seeking abstracts and presentations related to the area.
Papers presented may have been previously presented or published. This is a burgeoning area of research, and given that the increase in mental health services for those at risk of psychological injury at work is increasing at an alarming rate, it is also timely.

Click here for more information on the symposium. Click here for more information on the call for abstracts

6th Australasian Housing Researchers' Conference 2012

The Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning at The University of Adelaide are proudly hosting the 6th Australasian Housing Researchers’ Conference 2012 (AHRC12).

The AHRC12 is the premier conference for housing researchers across Australasia, allowing delegates to share their research findings with their colleagues and peers on a range of themes including homelessness, housing policy and vulnerable groups and housing. The AHRC12 includes a dynamic and thought provoking series of keynote addresses, researchers presentations and social events. The conference will be held at the University of Adelaide’s beautiful north terrace campus from February 8-10 2012.

Click here to download the flyer for more information.