General WACOSS News

Registrations for the 2012 WACOSS Conference "THE BIG PICTURE" NOW OPEN

The Western Australian Council of Social Service has great pleasure inviting you to attend the WACOSS 2012 Conference THE BIG PICTURE.
The conference will focus 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 create a united civil society built on the principles of social justice and community engagement

Support available to cover registration fees and regional delegates partial accommodation and travel and expenses.

Click here to find out more and to register.

Nominations are Now Open for the Community Services Excellence Awards

The Awards, which are proudly presented by the State Government of Western Australia and WACOSS, provide a unique opportunity to showcase the fantastic work being undertaken by community service organisations around the state.

Award winners will be honoured at a Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the WACOSS Conference on May 9th 2012.

Click here for nomination forms and to read more

Member Consultation: Future Directions for Children's Policy and Services Members Roundtable 24th February 2012

WACOSS will be holding a Members Consultation for the Future Directions for Children's Policy and Services. This Members Roundtable will be held on the 24th February 2012 at city West Lotteries House Room 7, 2 Delhi street West Perth from 1-4pm. For further information click here

Assisting you on funding reform

To help with the transition to the Delivering Community Services in Partnership Policy, a project has been created by WACOSS in collaboration with the Peaks Forum, and working alongside the Department of Finance.

The Funding Reform Program will make available from a range of practical tools, resources, expertise and workshops to the community sector from 13 February. The team members here to help you are:

Program Manager – Kylie Hansen
Training and Development Officer – Maree Jones
Marketing and Communications Officer – Carrie Standing
Program Support Officer – Maija Ala-Kauhaluoma

Click here to read more

Community Sector Energy Hardship Service Delivery Consultation and Survey: Where are the Gaps and Needs?

WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS) is seeking your input to help inform future Office of Energy funding opportunities to community service organisations so they can delivery services to low income households to reduce their energy use.

Have you seen an increase in the number of your clients struggling to pay their energy bills? Are you interested in delivering innovative services to support your clients to reduce their energy bills? WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS) is seeking your input to help inform how the Office of Energy funds community service organisations to delivery services to support low income households to reduce their energy consumption. This consultation will provide WACOSS with information about the level of knowledge and understanding the community sector has about energy, energy efficiency and energy hardship; and if community organisations are delivering services to improve energy efficiency in low income households. Click here to read more

Low income energy efficiency program

The Federal government has called for expressions of interest for the Low Income Energy Efficiency Program. The Low Income Energy Efficiency Program has been established to provide grants to consortia of government, business and community organisations to trial new and innovative approaches to assist low income and vulnerable households overcome identified barriers to energy efficiency and to better manage their energy use. Trials under the program should be aimed at overcoming barriers to energy efficiency, such as information failure, capital constraints and split incentives, which prevent low income households from adopting more energy efficient practices. Click here to read more

Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program

The Federal Government has released the guidelines for the 'The Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program'. The Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program will provide funding to industry associations and non-profit organisations that work with SMEs and community organisations. These groups will deliver information about energy efficiency to SMEs and community organisations to enable them to respond to the impact of increasing energy costs, including the carbon price. The SME s targeted are those entities with up to 200 full time equivalent employees. Community organisations targeted are those non-profit entities with an annual turnover of less than $10 million. Click here to read more

'The Community Energy Efficiency Program'

Community groups that want to improve their energy efficiency may be eligible for funding from the Federal Government through the 'The Community Energy Efficiency Program'. The Federal Government is providing the not-for-profit sector and local governments the chance to share in 200 million dollars of funding to undertake energy efficiency upgrades to community infrastructure. To be eligible you need to:

Be a non-profit organisation constituted as a legal entity for at least 12 months and with public liability insurance to the value of $10 million, whose primary objective is to assist or service the community
Be able to obtain 50% of funding from non-Commonwealth Government Sources (can still apply to LotteryWest)
Own , operate or lease the facility/site (if not the owner then written permission from the owner to implement the project is required)

Applications can range from $20,000 to 5 million dollars and the deadline for applications is the 23rd of March 2012

Click here to read more

Insecure Work Inquiry

The ACTU are currently conducting an independent national inquiry into insecure work, being chaired by Brian Howe.

Around 40% of workers are involved in insecure work arrangements such as casual work, fixed term work, contracting or labour hire. Most of these workers don't have access to the same rights as permanent workers, earn less, have limited access to sick or holiday leave and can lose their jobs with little to no notice without redundancy. For many Australians insecure work is not a preference – it's all they can get. Click here to read more

WACOSS MEDIA RELEASE: WACOSS calls for 'one stop shop' for concessions. 6th February

The Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) today renewed its call for better coordination of concessions policy.

"There is very clearly a need to put in place better systems and strategies for assessing entitlement to state concessions, benefits and rebates to ensure that resources intended to provide assistance and support are reaching those who need it most." said WACOSS CEO, Ms Irina Cattalini.

Click here to read more

MEDIA RELEASE: Community Sector welcomes Equal Pay case decision

WACOSS today welcomes the Fair Work Australia decision that community sector workers will be paid a higher wages for their work with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

"This is an important step in addressing the historical undervaluing of community sector workers" said Irina Cattalini, WACOSS CEO.

The wages increase range from 19 - 41% close to what was agreed by the Australian Services Union and the Commonwealth Government in their application for the equal pay decision.

Click here to read more

WACOSS CEO Taking Part in febfast

febfast is a national health and fundraising initiative which challenges people to send their grog on a holiday in February – the shortest month of the year – for two key reasons: so we can take a break from the booze and approach the New Year with a clear head and a healthier body; to raise money to help young Australians overcome alcohol, drug and mental health problems.

WACOSS CEO, Irina Cattalini, has decided to take on the Leaders’ Challenge to support community organisations, including WACOSS member Holyoake, to help thousands of young Australians.

To support Irina in “sending grog on a holiday”, see her fundraising page at http://www.febfastfundraising.com.au/irina_cattalini

Are you ClimateClever? Opportunities and Actions

Are you or your organisation concerned about the impacts of climate change on your clients? Excited about the possibilities of a clean energy future? Unsure how the carbon tax works and how it might impact on low income families? Wanting to create change through climate action groups or engaging through online action hubs? Click here to read more

WACOSS Board Member Daniel Morrison for WA Business News 40under40 Awards

Chief Executive Officer of Aboriginal Alcohol & Drug Service and WACOSS Board Member Daniel Morrison has been recognised for his hard work with a nomination for the 40under40 Awards.

The 40under40 is designed to celebrate the depth of business talent in Western Australia

Click here for more information and to vote.

ACOSS NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2012 - "Sharing the Wealth of the 'Lucky' Country"

29-30 March 2012, Australian Technology Park, Sydney

Early-bird registration discounts for the ACOSS National Conference have been extended until Friday the 27th of January. The Conference, a premier national event for policy-makers, researchers and those engaged in social services or advocacy, will in 2012 have the theme ‘Sharing the wealth of the lucky country’.

Australians’ material wealth is booming but the proceeds are not being equally shared. New research shows that inequalities are rising in Australia. While the post-tax income of the poorest households is actually falling, the richest Australian households continue to earn more and more. It is an important moment, therefore, to reflect on what must be done to ensure Australia remains the fair and inclusive society we pride ourselves on being. Click here to read more

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

Community Leadership Development Program – Expressions of Interest sought

If you work in the community sector and wish to complete a Diploma of Management – then this program is for you! WACOSS offers this program every year in partnership with MODAL. The 12 month course will commence in October, with applications opening in May. To register your interest, please email training@wacoss.org.au

Oh My Goodness – I'm on a Board!! – 15 February

Part of our new Just for Boards program of board training and networking events.
This course will give you an introduction to being a board member, increasing your knowledge of legal requirements and core activities of a board to make you a confident and effective board member.
For all the details, and to book online, please click here.

Understanding Strategic Planning – 14 March

Why do we exist? What are we doing? Where are we going? How are we going to get there? When are we going to get there? How do we know when we have arrived?
Strategic planning is a process that aims to answer these questions about your organisation. By creating strategic plans you give your organisation clear goals and can easily measure your success against them.
For all the details, and to book online, please click here.

Using Performance Appraisals and Managing Staff Performance – 20 March

An introduction to managing staff performance and completing performance appraisals.
For all the details, and to book online, please click here.

OSH for Community Organisations – 27 March

This full day workshop summarises the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) laws applying to WA. It is designed to demystify the laws and assist your group with getting on the right track to fulfilling your duty of care obligations.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Sector News

City of Mandurah Scholarships

Individuals involved with a not-for-profit association are invited to apply for the inaugural $5,000 City of Mandurah Convention Scholarship.
Designed to assist in personal and professional development, the scholarship will allow the recipient to attend a relevant international conference or to undertake further study relevant to their association's industry.
The scholarship is offered under the Perth Convention Bureau's Aspire Program, which was previously called the Scholarships and Awards Program and has been operating since 1999.
In 2012, the Aspire Program will see nine awards and two scholarships worth a total of $60,000 presented to individuals involved with the State's academic and not-for-profit sectors. Click here for more information

Office Space Available – Excellent Location!

There is an opportunity for office space in in a building with other three Not for Profit organisations in the City at the end of Pier Street just 10 minutes walking distance from Claisebrook and Mc Civer train station.
Size: 58 Square metres
Includes:

Private kitchen, toilet and patio.
1 parking bay
Two shared common areas: 1 for meetings and 1 for server/ photocopying.

To view the property kindly contact Antonella Segre on antonella@connectgroups.org.au or 9228 4488.

WA Youth Awards Nominations Now Open

The WA Youth Awards were established in 1999 to recognise young Western Australians aged 12 to 25 years for their achievements and contributions to the community. The awards also reward outstanding youth groups and organisations that serve and support the state's young people.

In 2012 the WA Youth Awards are proudly presented by the Department for Communities in partnership with the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia. The awards are supported by Lotterywest.

Click here for more details

New Partnership Forum Website

Department of the Premier and Cabinet have launched a new website will all the latest news on the Partnership Forum.

Click here to view the site

Free Social Business Listings

Social Innovation In Western Australia (SiiWA) in partnership with Social Traders is helping to deliver Australia's most comprehensive directory of Australian social businesses. Once compiled Social Traders will commence marketing the directory in order to promote the mainstream sourcing of socially procured goods and services. We'd love you to register and join the 4,900 business that have currently signed up.

To qualify for a listing your organisation must be able to tick the following boxes:-

The business principally exists to provide social environmental or local economic relief
The business trades to fulfil its mission
The business derives a substantial portion of their income through trade
The business reinvests the majority of its profits into furthering its social mission

Registering your business is quick and easy. Simply visit http://socialtraders.force.com/ased/Login and you'll be guided through registration process.

CLAN WA Volunteer Training

CLAN WA supports families with children from 0-12 through a home visiting program using highly trained volunteers. We are having our first volunteer training for 2012 starting in March at Cockburn Youth Centre. There will be other training offered later in the year in Armadale and Mirrabooka. For further information please refer to our website

Expressions of Interest – Towards Good Practice – 24 February 2012

ConnectGroups are calling for Expressions of Interest for Good Practice Models – "Sharing Stories" – National Self Help & Support Groups Awareness Day 2012.
Feedback from the 2011 Symposium at the ConnectGroups 2011 National Awareness Day indicated that participants particularly connected with the Testimonials. Based on this, the 2012 National Awareness Day will include Good Practice Models – "Sharing Stories", intended to showcase the amazing work done by self-help and support groups across the state of WA.
Expressions of Interest are now being called from support and self-help group members, facilitators and organisers, to submit an abstract of a Testimonial Proposal to be delivered at the conference. Testimonials should be centred around the "Towards Good Practice" theme of the day, and could include such topics as –
• Good governance
• Fund-raising success stories
• Successfully maintaining a group, and
• Individual success stories from group participants
The conference and outdoor event will take place at the WA State Library on 5 September 2012.
If you or your groups are interested in being included in the event, please complete the Expression of Interest FORM and e-mail it to ivi@connectgroups.org.au or post to - ConnectGroups Sharing Stories EOI, PO Box 8140 Perth BC WA 6849.

Centrecare Corporate Training Calendar

Click here to view the Perth Corporate Training Calendar

Click here to view the Bunbury Corporate Training Calendar

Sector Events

Gimme Shelter is on for the Fifth Year

Gimme Shelter, the annual fundraiser for the homeless on the south lawn at Fremantle Arts Centre is on again on Saturday 25th February with another amazing line-up including Jill Birt and Alsy Macdonald from the Triffids together with Adrian Hoffman from The Morning Night. This trio creates a sound that is compelling in its stripped back intensity. With Birt taking the main vocals; keyboards and sparsely arranged guitar this is an intimate, acoustic sound very different from The Triffids but just as captivating. Click here to read more

Ready to Work Movie Fundraiser 22nd February

Ready to Work are holding a movie fundraiser on the 22nd of February. Click here for all the details

Movie Night Fundraiser 26th February

Help support George Jones Child Advocacy Centre's Resource Room by attending the movie night fundraiser on the 26h of February.

Click here for all the details

March Professional Development Workshops Anglicare

Anglicare are holding the following workshops in February;

Working with Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse – Presented by Mike Lew
Introduction to Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution
Working with Victims of Family Domestic Violence
Intro to Australia's Family Law System
Working with a Child Focused Approach
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse & Neglect
The Skills of Family Dispute Resolution: Ethical Practice
Working with Family & Domestic Violence

Click here for details on all these courses

Funds for Freedom Sparkling High Tea 8th March 2012

Spend a lovely International Women's Day celebrating with a scrumptious Sparkling High Tea and raising money to help women and children to make a fresh start after living in a violent relationship.

COST – Early Bird (before 31st December 2011) $67.00 inc gst
Full (from January 2012) $77.00 inc gst

Click here for more information

2012 QMS Quality Forum-Unravelling the Quality Maze 15th March

Quality Management Services (QMS) invites you to this exciting one day forum for all Health and Community Services with a desire to develop excellent organisations, services and programs. Come and hear key speakers on the quality challenges for Health and Community Services and find out about continuous improvement, accreditation options and quality choices.

Click here to read

Quantic Workshop: Measuring Outcomes – Demonstrate that Your Organisation is Making a Difference 27th March

Community based organisations and people who work in them want to make a difference in peoples' lives. The Results-Based Accountability™ Framework can help demonstrate that this is what you are doing.

Action oriented
Focus on common sense methods
Improve the performance of programs and organisations
Involve clients in setting outcome measures

Click here to read more

Specialist Homelessness Services Conference 2012

In partnership with the Western Australian Council on Homelessness, the Department for Child Protection is pleased to announce the 2012 Specialist Homelessness Services Conference, Leading the road home! Held at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre on 28 & 29 May 2012, abstracts for presentations and workshops are currently being sought from services and other key stakeholders.

Please find attached the following information:

• Conference Information
• Presentation/ Workshop Abstract - Expression of Interest
• Information Stall/ Poster Presentation- Expression of Interest

Relevant information can also be accessed on the Departments website on: http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/servicescommunity/Pages/Homelessness.aspx

The Seventh World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental and Behavioural Disorders 'The 21st Century Approach to Mental Health'. Perth Convention Centre, 17 – 19 October 2012

Your organisation is invited to submit a paper for this conference.
The One Life Suicide Prevention Strategy has been asked by the conference organisers, The Clifford Beers Foundation, to invite suicide prevention stakeholders to submit abstracts that deliver new insights into suicide prevention.
Alongside the Suicide Prevention category, there are other categories, which include mental health in primary care, depression, wellbeing of children, young people and work place related issues.
If you would like to read more about submitting an abstract to present at this conference, go to the following link: www.perth2012.org

Community Sector Jobs

The following position are currently advertised on the WACOSS/ANSON Community Jobs page. Click here to view the vacancies in full.

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