General WACOSS News

National Food Plan

The Federal government has issued a green paper on a National Food Plan for public consultation.
WACOSS will be preparing a submission which will focus on food security- the ability of individuals, households and communities to acquire appropriate and nutritious food on a regular and reliable basis-and in particular the issues around the direct influence which nutritious, safe and appropriate food has on health, the need to develop a measure of food stress that is relevant to the Western Australian community and the issues faced by remote Aboriginal communities.
If you would like to contribute to this work, or obtain further information please contact Helen Creed on 9420 7222 or helen@wacoss.org.au.

Social Policy Forum: National Healthcare Reforms: Community Organisations Engaging with Medicare Locals

WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS), in conjunction with WANADA and WAAMH is hosting a forum about Community Organisations and our engagement with Medicare Locals. Medicare Locals are the new primary health care organisations established throughout Australia, eight in WA, to improve coordination and integration of primary health care in local communities, address service gaps, and make it easier for patients to navigate their local health care system. Medicare Locals will need collaborative relationships with the key health and community service providers in their local area. Engagement between the two sectors is essential to build effective working relationships to improve local health outcomes and deliver more integrated and coordinated care. This Forum is the first opportunity for the community sector to come together as a whole to consider the implications of, and the opportunities for engagement with, Medicare Locals. This forum will be held on the 21st of August, from 9 – 12pm. To register for this event, please click here. For more information please contact Helen Creed on Helen@wacoss.org.au or Sarah Mumme on Sarah@wacoss.org.au.

MEDIA RELEASE: Responding to utilities stress and financial hardship. 20th July 2012

Recent data on utilities stress and financial hardship show a continuing increase in the number of households applying for more time to pay bills or entering into payment plans, receiving HUGS grants, and the number of disconnections.

It is clear that cost of living factors, particularly the price of energy, are of continuing community concern and will remain on the political agenda in the lead-up to a State election early next year. Click here to read more.

MEDIA RELEASE: Now is the time for WA to catch up on early childhood development. 20th July 2012

WACOSS today released a Discussion Paper on the importance of co-ordinating activities impacting on the development of young children that highlights how the Western Australian community would benefit from the establishment of an Office for Early Childhood. Click here to read more.

Non-Government Sector Involvement in Child And Parent Centres On Public School Sites in Low Socio-Economic Communities

Ten Child and Parent Centres are to be established on public school sites in low socio-economic communities. Each Centre will have its own Coordinator, to be provided through the Not-for-profit sector, which will also work with the school to manage the delivery of programs and services at and through the Centres.
The tender process opened on July 9th and briefing sessions will be held on 19th and 20th July.
To read more click here.

WACOSS Members' Forum: Review of Children and Community Services Act 2004

WACOSS members are encouraged to join the Children, Youth and Families Agencies Association (CYFAA) and the Alliance for Children at Risk in a discussion about the current statutory review of the Children and Community Services Act 2004, and the critical issues which need to be considered in it. Click here to read more.

Do you need any help with the reforms?

WACOSS Funding Reform Program is still rolling out one-on-one consultant support around the key areas of the DCSP Policy and the funding reforms. Approximately 50 organisations have already taken up this opportunity and the feedback has been great! Click here to read more.

Social Enterprise in the Social Service sector

The aim of this project is to gain an understanding of social enterprise ventures in the social services sector in Australia. The project is being conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) in collaboration with Mission Australia and the West Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS). This study has been approved by the Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee. Click here to read more.

Beyond Farming Drought Pilot Program on and after 30th June

On 30 June the pilot phase of the Beyond Farming program was completed, but it is hoped it will only be a pause in the life of the program. The group of 25 trained volunteer mentors, all ex-farmers, remain committed to the program and confident of its on-going relevance to farming families in transition. Click here to read more.

UPDATE: Exposure Draft Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bills

The Federal Government has announced the referral of the draft Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Bill and associated Explanatory Materials to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics for an inquiry over the Winter Parliamentary break. Click here to read more.

World's first national survey on climate change and the community sector now open: Your input is vital!

The community welfare sector's client base – people experiencing poverty and disadvantage – is the most vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather impacts of any group in Australia.
As climate change worsens the impacts of extreme weather events, more people will turn to our sector for all types of assistance – in times of crisis and beyond. Yet, we lack a comprehensive understanding of whether the sector itself is well prepared to cope with these impacts.

This is also a large gap in the knowledge across the globe. This information gap needs to be urgently addressed so that we can ensure our own resilience to negative climate change and extreme weather impacts, help to foster resilience within client groups and the community, and provide solutions to governments at all levels as they seek to develop national, local and regional responses to climate change and extreme weather events. Click here to read more.

The Modern Award and the FWA Equal Pay Decision Information Forums

NDS, ACOSS and Jobs Australia are co-hosting a series of forums to provide up-to-date information on changes to the industrial landscape occurring during 2012.

For more information on forums click here.

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

Community Leadership Program – Applications now open!

The 11th WACOSS Community Leadership Program is now taking applications. If you are a manager in the sector and don't have a formal management qualification, this could be the course for you! For all the details and application package, click here.

Managing Clients' Aggressive Behaviour – Monday 30th July

Do you freeze up and lose confidence when confronted with an aggressive client?
Do you want to learn how to deal effectively and safely with clients who become aggressive?
This workshop will help you to understand aggression, and learn ways to maintain your safety whilst communicating effectively when others behave aggressively towards you.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Presentation Skills for the Mortally Terrified – Tuesday 31st July

Learn how to confidently communicate your ideas and information clearly and persuasively in front of a group.
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.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Strategic Change Management – Monday 6th August

Leaders are frequently required to engage people in change in the workplace; changing systems, practices and attitudes.
Learn how to manage this process smoothly at this workshop.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Risk Management from a Board's Perspective – Thursday 9th August (evening)

Learn about organisational risk management, how risks relate to organisational strategy, and how boards can address risk at this evening workshop.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Finance Fundamentals – Friday 10th August

An introduction to understanding the basics of finance for your not-for-profit organisation.
Are you on a board and have no idea what the numbers of the monthly financial statements mean?
Are you managing a not-for-profit organisation and do not have any idea of how to manage finances?
Are you interested and curious to find out how to read financial reports and interpret the financial health of the organisation?
Then this course is for you!
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation - Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th August (2 day workshop)

Do you want to develop a better understanding of evaluation in general?
Do you want to know where to start in planning your project evaluation?
Do you want some clarity about outcomes and evaluation?
Then this two day workshop is for you!
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations – Friday 17th August

This workshop is designed specifically for not-for-profit organisations, and covers relevant industrial/employee relations state and Federal, and outlines in detail the steps and procedures you need to take to comply with the relevant employment laws.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

How to be a SUPER Supervisor – Wednesday 22nd August

Part coach, part auditor, part leader, part facilitator - the role of supervisor is more than signing time sheets and checking that the 'task' is done. Effective supervisors know how to develop the whole person and how to balance personal and organisational needs in a consistent manner.
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

Nominations for 2012 Social Worker of the Year Open

The best of Western Australia's social workers have the chance to be recognised in this prestigious State-wide awards program.

The 2012 WA Social Worker of the Year Awards recognise and reward the efforts of social workers, and highlight the positive impact of the profession on individuals, families and communities. Click here to read more.

Lifeline WA Community Forums

Lifeline WA has received private sponsorship to hold six public forums on suicide prevention awareness. These forums will help identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide, stress, depression, self-harm and bullying. Three of these forums will be held in the CBD, Subiaco and Mandurah, with the remaining three having no conditions attached. If you think a forum would benefit your community then please get in touch.
Contact Sally Hedderwick, Manager Community Engagement, Lifeline WA. Email sallyhedderwick@lifelinewa.org.au

The Rotary Allied Health Professional of the Year Award

The Rotary Clubs of Mount Lawley and West Perth have once again organised awards for Allied Health professionals in government and non government organisations. This Award process has been occurring since 2009 and commenced in partnership with the WA Department of Health. Click here to download a nomination form.

The Business News Giving Well Guide Launched

The Giving Well Guide will feature details of Not For Profit and charitable organisations in Western Australia and will include details on mission, volunteer, and donor opportunities and details of the individual Board of Directors. The guide is a comprehensive reference tool for corporates, philanthropists and the community sector and will build awareness and encourage giving across our state. Click here for more information.

Check to see what concessions you may be missing out on

The Department of Communities has just updated their concessions listings for the year. This site has all of the Western Australian State Government concessions listed and is a good resource for household's, community service worker's and individual's to see what concessions are available. Many people are unaware of all of the concessions they are eligible for, so to see what state government concessions are out there visit www.concessions.wa.gov.au/

New brochure explains carers' rights

A new brochure available through the Department for Communities provides a handy guide for carers on their rights under the Carers Recognition Act 2004. Click here to read more.

Office Available for Lease

Southcare currently have a 60m2 (approx) room, fitted out with 7 work stations available for lease to a compatible organisation at their premises at 54 Bickley Crescent Manning. Please contact ken park on (08) 9450 6233 or ken.p@southcare.org.au for further information or to register your interest.

Players Wanted - 2012 WAAFl Integrated Football Season

The WA Amateur Football League is looking for players for the 2012 WAAFL Integrated Football season.
Integrated football is a unique program offered for players with an intellectual disability to become involved in
community football.
If you are male or female and aged 16 years or over with an intellectual disability, we want you!
There are 5 WAAFL clubs hosting 6 teams that compete in the Integrated League.

Click here for more information.

Fiona Wood Foundation Launch

In May 2012 the McComb Foundation transitioned to the Fiona Wood Foundation, heralding an exciting new era for this not-for-profit organisation.

The team at the Foundation have been responsible for great discoveries (such as the spray on skin) which are now used around the world. It is time to propel the Foundation forward, just as the research we undertake is taking the treatment of burns and scars into the future.

Click here to visit the Fiona Wood Foundation website.

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 July and August 2012.

Click here for more information.

Sector Events

World Hepatitis Day & Hepatitis Awareness Week 2012

World Hepatitis Day is July 28th, 2012. It falls on the last day of Hepatitis Awareness Week (July 23rd – July 28th).

In Australia, an estimated 221,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis C, and an estimated 170,000 Australians are living with chronic hepatitis B. An estimated 57% of cases of liver cirrhosis and 78% of cases of primary liver cancer result from either hepatitis B or C virus infection. Hepatitis C is one of the most commonly reported notified diseases, and the lead reason for liver transplants in Australia. Click here for more information.

HOMING in on the real issues of homelessness - Homeless Persons Week 2012

Homeless Persons Week is on again this year from Monday 6th to Sunday 12th August. The theme for this year is “HOMING in on the real issues of homelessness”.

Homeless Persons Week is a national annual event coordinated by Homelessness Australia. It is made up of the many different homelessness-centred events and aims to draw attention to the causes and effects of homelessness on individuals, families and the wider community. Click here to read more.

Homeless Persons Week Soccer Showdown Announced - Tuesday 7th August

Laying dormant for some months, the red-hot rivalry between the Big Issue Street Soccer team and WA Community Workers is set to erupt once again this August in celebration of Homeless Persons Week (HPW). The Community Housing Coalition of WA (CHCWA) and The Big Issue Street Soccer Program are thrilled to invite all prospective community players and spectators to a sporting celebration of the fight against homelessness.

When: 7th August, 3:00pm
Where: Wellington Square, East Perth

If you're a community sector worker or volunteer and are interested in pulling on the boots or learning more about this event, please contact Rory Ritchie at CHCWA, (08) 9221 7933 or rory.ritchie@communityhousing.com.au.

Grantseeker Workshop Perth - Tuesday 7th August

Conducted in cities around Australia, Philanthropy Australia's Grantseeker Workshops provide grantseekers with
an introduction on how to look for funding from philanthropic sources. The half-day workshops provide an overview
of Australian trusts and foundations and the environment in which they operate. Learn how to research potential
funding sources, what to include in a submission, what to leave out, how to make your application easy to
understand, and what makes foundations different to other funders! Click here for more information.

ASID WA Research Forum - Wednesday 8th August

Have you ever thought about research? Do you want to know where to start?

Each member of the panel will give a short presentation on some important and current research themes within their subject area. This will be followed by discussion and a question-and-answer session.
Interested people will have the opportunity to give and receive suggestions for new research studies with much of the emphasis on post-graduate and higher degree research. Click here for more information.

Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. Australasian Speaking Tour - Monday 13th August

Dr Bruce Perry author of "The Boy Who Was Raised as A Dog" will be presenting a workshop Monday 13th August 2012. Dr Perry is well-known for his research on the impact of child abuse and neglect on a child's brain development. He is an engaging presenter and will provide insight into how developmentally informed and biologically respectful work with at-risk children and families leads to strong potential for healing and recovery. Click here to read more.

Final NDS Costing and Pricing Workshops!

Close to 100 participants from disability service organisations have attended the monthly workshops held at NDS WA, which have been fully subscribed since April 2012. If you have not already done so we encourage you to register online by clicking on the date and filling out the registration form:
• Tuesday 14th August workshop—using the NDS costing and pricing tool—basic
Suitable for those with financial oversight responsibilities but with limited finance skills.
• Friday 17th August workshop—using the NDS costing and pricing tool—advanced
For accountants or experienced bookkeepers.

Public Consultation Sharing Healthy Conversations - 22nd August

It is important that all voices are heard when planning and organising medical assessment and treatment, so good communication is vital.

The Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability (MACD) and the Carers Advisory Council (CAC) has partnered to bring together people with disability, carers and health professionals to explore effective communication practices. For more information download the information sheet.
A public forum will be held on Wednesday 22nd August, click here to download the flyer. Click here to download the questionnaire.

WA Carers Conference 2012 - Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th August

A practical, informative and interactive event for people providing care to family members and friends with mental, physical or aged related ill health or disability.

Click here for more information.

22nd Annual SOCAP Australia International Symposium - Wednesday 29th - Frday 31st August

Join 200+ consumer affairs professionals from around Australia and beyond for a two and a half day professional development program with great networking opportunities to support you in your role. The 22nd Annual SOCAP Australia International Symposium is said to be the most senior gathering and the longest running event of its kind.

Click here for more information.

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.

Upcoming Courses at Anglicare WA

Click here for information on the following upcoming courses available at Anglicare WA.

Making Sense out of Government Policy
Dangerous Liaisons
MAP Time-in

WACOSS Jobs

WACOSS is seeking dynamic professionals to join our team in th following roles:

Executive Assistant
Social Policy Support Officer

For more information on this full time position click here.

Community Sector Jobs Board

The following positions are currently advertised on the WACOSS/ANSON Community Jobs Board. 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