General WACOSS News

Community Services Excellence Awards

Remember to get your vote in for the Community Sector Choice Award. Voting closes Monday 7th May.
For finalists profiles please click here.

Click here for more information and to have your vote.

Click here to view The Couch interview with the Minister and Jim Petrie from The Big Issue.

Community Sector Supports WACOSS Big Picture Conference

WACOSS would like to acknowledge the support of the following Community Sector Conference Sponsors. Wanslea, Relationships Australia WA, UnitingCare West, Mercy Care and Anglicare

This sponsorship demonstrates their strong commitment for a diverse sector of all sizes and scope and a joint vision for a strong, vibrant and united community services sector.

WACOSS Conference "THE BIG PICTURE"

This year's conference is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with over 350 delegates registered and a great line up of speakers. Conference abstracts are now available to assist you in selecting concurrent sessions.

Click here for the updated program, speaker bio's and concurrent session abstracts.

Registrations now closed, opportunities for video conferencing still available. Please contact Carly Guise by 1pm Monday 7th May (carlyguise@wacoss.org.au) to express your interest.

We encourage conference delegates and those that can't make it to follow the action on Twitter via #WACOSSConf

Cross Sectoral Collaboration & Networking Day – Fully Booked

Registration desk opens at 8.30am.

2012 Thinker in Residence programme

WACOSS is a project partner with the Commissioner for Children and Young People for the 2012 Thinker in Residence programme. The residency will examine self-regulation among children and will provide parents, health and other professionals, early childhood educators and teachers with strategies to develop and boost the ability of a child to self-regulate. The Alliance for Children at Risk is hosting a breakfast for people in the child protection sector on Thursday 7th June 2012. Click here to read more.

WACOSS Media Release: Smart Not Tough Approach Needed for Jobseekers - Friday 20th April

"It is time we took a smarter approach to tackling unemployment, underemployment and the problems created by short-term, casual and insecure work," said Irina Cattalini, CEO of WACOSS today.
"The Council is concerned that significant resources are being wasted on a punitive compliance approach to unemployed job seekers that focuses on 'participation requirements' with no evidence that this has any impact on improving employment outcomes." Click here to read more.

WACOSS focus group: Energy Hardship Services

WACOSS will be consulting with Community Service Organisations (CSOs) to gather information on how they are working with clients experiencing energy hardship. Participants will be introduced to concepts of Energy Efficiency, time of use and block tariffs, smart grid technologies, and ways to address energy hardship in WA. Click here to read more.

Australian Community Sector Survey

Australian Community Sector Survey has been extended until Monday 14th May.

We are asking for your help to ensure that the Australian Community Sector Survey provides the best possible information about our sector and the people that we work with.

Each survey completed will go in the draw to win free registration to ACOSS' 2013 conference, a prize worth around $650!

For more information please click here.

Understanding Social Enterprise Information Session - Tuesday 8th May

Are you interested in the concept of social enterprise? Are you currently running a social enterprise, or thinking about running one in the future? Book your place at one of our Perth based information session Tuesday 8th May, to learn more about this exciting new opportunity for investment for not for profit community organisations. Take the opportunity to also book in for a one to one consultation, to test your social enterprise idea with an expert and receive valuable feedback. Bookings required. Click here to download the flyer.

ACOSS Post-Budget Community Sector Lunch with the Treasurer - Monday 14th May

ACOSS is hosting a Post-Budget Lunch with the Treasurer the Hon Wayne Swan on Monday May 14 for the Community Sector. This is a key opportunity hosted by ACOSS to provide a comprehensive analysis of the implications of this year's Federal Budget for people experiencing poverty and inequality in Australia and the organisations that work to support them. You will hear from the Treasurer on key budgetary measures and provide your questions for the Treasurer to discuss. Click here to read more.

WACOSS & Department of Commerce present: Consumer Rights and Protection - Wednesday 30th May

This FREE community education forum will provide an outline of basic consumer rights for your organisation and the clients you represent, particularly if you work with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.
A range of free resource materials will be provided, including resources in different languages.

Click here to download the flyer. Click here to register.

Emergency Relief Scoping Project

The Emergency Relief Scoping Project is now underway. Our Project Officer, Leela James, is currently halfway through extensive metropolitan consultations with Emergency Relief service providers. These consultations are providing the ER Scoping Project with key information and we are inviting you to also contribute to this valuable project.

Click here to find out more.

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

Funding Reform Program upcoming workshops: Mandurah and Albany

Since early April, the WACOSS Funding Reform Program team has been delivering workshops covering the essential information community service organisations need to know when "Surviving and Thriving under the DCSP Policy." In May, the program will travel to Mandurah, Albany and Kalgoorlie and is looking at scheduling a third metro workshop due to high demand. Click here to read more

EmpowerWA Workshops: Assisting Clients to save money by using less power at home

These free workshops are a must for anyone who works with clients experiencing financial pressures.

It explains what energy audits involve, so that you can help clients who aren't eligible for a professional home audit, or don't want strangers looking around their home.
Workshops are taking place:
Hamilton Hill – Tuesday 29th May – 10:00am - 11:30am – Register here
Hamilton Hill – Monday 11th June – 10:00am - 11:30am – Register here
Mandurah – Thursday 14th June – 1:00pm - 4:00pm – Register here
Subiaco – Wednesday 27th June – 1:00pm - 4:00pm – Register here
Joondalup – Dependent on demand – Register interest by emailing training@wacoss.org.au

Free Training for Emergency Relief workers and volunteers

WACOSS is delivering a series of free workshops around the state for emergency relief workers and volunteers.
Workshops are taking place in Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah, Corrigin, Narrogin, Armadale, Northam, Albany, Mount Barker, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Broome, Roebourne and Kununurra until June.
Travel subsidies are available.
For all the dates, application forms and information about travel subsidies, please click here.

Being an Effective Leader – Wednesday 16th May (Kwinana)

"Leadership is an observable, learnable set of practices...Given the opportunity for feedback and practice, those with the desire and persistence to lead and to make a difference can substantially improve their abilities to do so." - The Leadership Challenge, Kouzes & Posner (2007)

Join Dee Roche for a day of exploring what makes an excellent leader, and how you can become one. Dee holds a Masters in Leadership and Management and has significant community and corporate sector experience both in Australia and overseas.

For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Succession Planning: Recruitment and Retention of Board Members – Thursday 17th May (Evening)

The final workshop in our Just for Boards series of community service board member training and networking events.
This session will cover how to recruit and retain board members for effective succession planning.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Implementing Standard Chart of Accounts for Not-for-Profits – Thursday 24th May

Learn about implementing the Standard Chart of Accounts in your not-for-profit organisation.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Writing Successful Tenders – Tuesday 29th May

Learn how to write successful tenders in this one day workshop.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Managing Media – Thursday 31st May

Have you ever wondered why some organisations or causes seem to get all the coverage – while others never rate a mention?
This practical workshop will provide you with an understanding of how the media operates, what journalists really need and the basics of media relations. It covers all aspects of our changing media landscape, including traditional newspapers and radio and the increasingly powerful new media.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

How to be a SUPER Supervisor – Tuesday 5th June

This workshop is a solid foundation for any supervisors/manager wanting a suite of practical tools and models to use 'on the fly' and/or within their more formal systems.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Sector News

Social Enterprise Fund Grants Now Open

Information sessions and one to one advice surgeries coming soon… register your interest now.

A number of workshops will be taking place in the coming weeks (mid April to mid May) to help you with your application for the Social Enterprise Fund (SEF) Grants Program, funded by the Government of Western Australia. This is an exciting new opportunity for investment for not-for-profit community organisations thinking about developing a social enterprise.

To find out more and register your interest click here.

AA Midday group Homeless

AA Perth Midday group, having had a lunch time meeting for the last 15 years, now finds itself at a loss as to where to find a place to meet. Click here for more information on how you can help.

Eastern Region Mental Health Agencies Directory for 2012.

ERMHA is a partnership to improve outcomes for those with mental health issues and their carers, family and friends.
This Directory does not represent a recommendation for any agency or individual listed but is provided in the public interest to assist in finding an appropriate service. Click here to download the Directory.

Reinvent your career with a postgraduate qualification in mental health

Curtin University has recently introduced a new part-time Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, so you can reinvent your career without quitting your day job.
Applications close Friday 29 June 2012. Click here to find out more.

Tips for Good Privacy Practice - Privacy Awareness Week

As a non-for-profit organisation, your staff and volunteers may often have access to personal information of clients and members. This short article provides some key messages from Timothy Pilgrim, the Australian Information Commissioner, and some tips for good privacy practice.

Click here to download "Tips for Good Privacy Practice"

News from The Smith Family

The Smith Family have produced a new brand campaign to help Australians to become better informed about the effects of disadvantage on children and asking them to sign up to show these kids they care. Click here to read more.

Leadership WA Regional Leadership Program: Applications now open for Pilbara and Mid West

Leadership WA is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for both the Pilbara and Mid West Regional Leadership Programs.

Running from June to December, these Leadership Programs will use an experiential learning approach with an emphasis on personal leadership development and enhancing leadership capacity across the regions.

Click here to read more.

Guide helps to address sexualisation of children

The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Michelle Scott, has released a guide for the community to help address growing concern about the sexualisation of children.

Sexualisation of Children and its Impact on their Wellbeing – A guide for parents, members of the community, media, advertisers and retailers emphasises that the wellbeing of children and young people is everyone's responsibility.

Click here to read more.

Certificate IV in Relationship Education (CHC42408) Group Facilitation Skills

In 2011 Relationships Australia commenced delivery of a new nationally recognised qualification in group facilitation skills, the Certificate IV in Relationship Education – Group Facilitation Skills. The next intake for this course is 9 May 2012.

Click here to read more.

20% Discount on Accommodation & Venues at Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra

20% Discount for ALL WACOSS members when you book a Venue and/or Accommodation at Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra during the months of May, June, July and August 2012.

Click here for more information.

CREATE Foundation 'What's the Plan'

The CREATE Foundation has been committed to connecting children and young people with experience in care with each other. Empowering them to develop to realise their potential and to maximise the ways in which the care system can change for the better.

It's alarming that recently CREATE uncovered that 68% of young people who should have been developing a leaving care plan either did not have a plan or did not know whether or not they had one. Click here to read more.

WA Training Awards 2012

Applications are now being called for the WA Training Awards.

In previous years there have been very few nominations from Community Services Health & Education industries where there are many eligible entrants; the Training Council is encouraging these industries to get involved this year! To find out more about nominating outstanding apprentices, trainees or vocational students click here.

Another of the award categories is the WA Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Training Award, which is focused on migrants who have overcome various challenges by undertaking training. Click here to read more.

Affordable Home Ownership for Lower and Middle Income Earners - Shared Equity Program

Would you like to own your own home but think you can't afford it? The State Government has introduced two initiatives to support moderate income Western Australians, like those working in the not-for-profit sector, to achieve their dream of home ownership.

Click here to read more about each of these exciting opportunities.

Sector Events

Fairground Youth Sector Conference 2012: Registrations Open

YACWA's Fairground takes place every two years as an opportunity for the youth sector to network and share ideas and common experiences whilst focusing on state-wide issues of importance to young people and the sector.

2012 will be the third Fairground conference following similar events in 2008 and 2010. The conference vision is for a youth sector event that is the most topical, relevant and results-orientated youth conference ever held in Western Australia.

The 2012 conference promises to be a professional, policy-driven event that is inspiring, fun and creative. The keynotes will be informative and gritty, the entertainment unique and the program objective based and functional.

Head to the Fairground website for more information or to register: www.yacwa.org.au/fairground2012

Australia to Host World Congress on Adult Guardianship

Experts in the fields of ageing, disability and guardianship, from across the world, will come together in Melbourne in October this year for the Second World Congress on Adult Guardianship. Click here to read more.

RBA Professional Development Workshops - Anglicare

The following workshops will be held in June.

Results Based Accountability (RBA) 101 Workshop
RBA Train the Trainer 2 Day Workshop

Click here for further information on the RBA Workshops. Click here for information on other upcoming Anglicare workshops.

Community Education Programs For Albany & Denmark - May 2012

Relationships Australia (WA) is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with a reputation for excellence in education services. Albany services include: Community Education, Mediation, Mensplace programmes, Employee Assistance Programme and Counselling for individuals, couples, families and unplanned pregnancy.

Click here for more information about their workshops.

Preventing Alcohol Related Violence in the Built Environment - Tuesday 8th May

Do you work for local government? A property developer? Town Planner? Licensed premises? The Injury Control Council of Western Australia (ICCWA) invites you to join in this one-day forum to discuss alcohol related violence around licensed premises. Click here to read more.

Fremantle headspace Youth4Youth Forum – Friday 18th May

The Fremantle headspace Youth Reference Group will be hosting the third Youth4Youth forum on Friday, 18th May 2012 from 9.30am to 2.00pm at the Cockburn Youth Centre. This event is open for young people in the greater Perth region to participate and express their concerns, ideas and solutions for issues affecting youth. Click here to read more.

Hearing Voices Network Australia: Family and Friends Free Information Evening - Thursday 24th May

Do you know someone who hears voices? Have you ever wanted to know more about it? Would you like to learn ways to best support someone who hears voices?

Join Richmond Fellowship at this free session to learn more about Hearing voices as we draw upon the world renowned 'Accepting Voices Approach' by Professor Marius Romme and colleagues. We encourage voices hearers, their family, friends and support people to attend this valuable and informative free evening. Click here for more information.

Ready To Work Fundraising Cocktail Party Event - Wednesday 30th May

Ready to Work will be holding an inaugural Cocktail Party at Government House, with Tonya McCusker, wife of West Australian Governor Malcolm McCusker, sharing some of her personal experiences over the last year.

Tonya is a wife, mother, philanthropist and business leader with key administration and board roles for the McCusker Charitable Foundation, Giving West, Lions Eye Institute and the University of Western Australia Hackett Foundation.

Click here to download the flyer.

Professional Development Workshops – Anglicare WA

Click here for more information on the following courses now available at Anglicare WA

Protective Behaviours- Tuesday 8th May
The Skills of Family Dispute Resolution – Ethical Practice Wednesday 30th May 2012
Working With Children In Domestic Family Violence Tuesday 29 May 2012
Dangerous Liaisons Thursday 24th May 2012
Accredited Courses

Professional Development Training Program Relationships Australia

The following professional training is on offer in May/June 2012.

Introduction to being a Supervisor Thursday 31st May/Friday 1st June $330
Couples & Conflict Friday 8th June $165
- A developmental approach
Working with Adolescents Thursday 14th & Friday 15th June $330
Engaging Jane Friday 22nd June $165
Engaging John Friday 29th June $165

Click here for more course information.

Specialist Homelessness Services Conference May 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! The conference will be held at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre on Monday 28th - Tuesday 29th May 2012.

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

Reconciliation Week 2012

Reconciliation Week will be celebrated across Australia between 27th May and 3rd June 2012.

The Department of Indigenous Affairs (WA) has an advocacy role in promoting mutual respect
and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other
Australians. As such, we are embarking on a community awareness campaign in the lead
up to and throughout Reconciliation Week. Click here to read more.

Western Australian Active Ageing Conference 2012: What's New in Ageing? - Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd June 2012

REGISTRATIONS – NOW OPEN! – Registrations limited to 200 ONLY!

Early bird rates are available until 1st May and there are special discounted delegate rates for individual and organizational members. Can only attend one day? Not a problem, see the registration form for more details.
We have had a number of registrations already so make sure you don't miss out be registering NOW!

Click here to download the Program. Click here to download the registration form.

Richmond Fellowship Asia Pacific Conference on Mental Health

Monday 11th - Wednesday 13th June 2012
Perth, Western Australia

Richmond Fellowship of Western Australia has great pleasure inviting consumers, carers, students and mental health workers in government, NGO and private provider settings and other stakeholders to submit an abstract to the ASPAC 2012 Conference based on one of the 4 streams.

Click here to read more.

WASUA Training Calendar

Click here to download WASUA's 2012 training calendar.

YouthLink's 2012 Training Calendar

Click here to download a copy of YouthLink's 2012 training calendar.

Community Sector Jobs

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

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