General WACOSS News

Youth Justice Think Tank — Register your interest!

The Youth Legal Service (YLS), the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) and the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) are coming together to form a new Think Tank focused on talking about the issue of Youth Justice. We are kicking off this new initiative with a series of workshops to be held later in the year looking at: youth justice legislation, youth justice service delivery and highlighting best practice in youth justice. Click here read more.

Save the Date: WACOSS AGM, Special General Meeting & PBS Launch- Friday 19th October 2012

The WACOSS Annual General Meeting, Special General Meeting and Pre-Budget Submission Launch will be held at City West Lotteries House on the 19th of October. Invitations and further details will be sent to you shortly.

Regional Pre-Budget Submission Consultations - Peel, Bunbury

Each year WACOSS submits a Pre-Budget Submission Paper to the WA Government about the top community priorities for expenditure in the next State Budget.
We encourage you to be part of a conversation about critical funding issues and emerging priorities in YOUR community.
We will discuss your community concerns and welcome ideas for funding strategies that will help you achieve better outcomes in your community. We also invite you to share your thoughts about previous WACOSS Pre-Budget submissions and how our WACOSS could better represent your needs.

WACOSS are heading to:

Peel, in conjunction with PCDG: Wednesday the 29th August | click here for more details and to register now
Bunbury, in conjunction with Volunteer South West: Monday the 3rd September | click here for more details and to register now.

For more information regarding these consultations, please contact Noushin (Senior Policy Officer), at noushin@wacoss.org.au or on (08) 9420 7222.

Partnership Forum Community Event - Monday 10th September

The Partnership Forum is progressing a number of key reforms that focus on sustainable community services to improve outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged Western Australians.
To enable interested community sector members and members of the public to directly engage with the reforms and to hear more about what is planned in 2012/13, the Partnership Forum is pleased to be hosting a two hour event on the afternoon of Monday 10 September 2012. Click here to read more.

WACOSS Submission - Social Security Legislation Amendment (Fair Incentives to Work) Bill 2012

In late July, WACOSS provided a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relation's inquiry into the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Fair Incentives to Work) Bill 2012. This inquiry relates to the proposed Commonwealth cuts to single parenting payments announced in the federal Budget. WACOSS supported the ACOSS submission to the inquiry, but also sought to draw the Committee's attention to a number of matters particularly relevant to sole parents in Western Australia. WACOSS's submission can be read here.

Rooftop PV for Low income Households?

The Community Sector Energy Hardship Services Delivery study - encompassing the potential roles of Community Service Organisations delivery of Energy Efficiency and Hardship services to low income households was completed for the Public Utilities Office in June.
Energy policy and rising electricity costs are a topical and dynamic area for discussion. And the response from WACOSS members and CSO's to the study was excellent. Thanks to all involved. The Public Utilities Office has now received the report and will consider it in the formulation of policy to address Energy Hardship. Click here to read more.

Anti-Poverty Week 2012 – Get involved!

Anti-Poverty Week is happening again this year (14-20 October) and WACOSS is encouraging everyone to get involved!

The aims of Anti-Poverty Week are to:
 Strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia;
 Encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments.

Click here to read more.

WACOSS Workshops and Seminars

Just for Regions: Introduction to Being on a Board or Committee – Webinar – Friday 7th September

This online workshop is for new and experienced members of Boards or Management Committees involved in the Not-for-Profit sector, who are interested in getting an overview of what is involved in being on a Board or want to refresh their knowledge.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Leading High Performance Teams – Friday 31st August

Research clearly shows that when people cooperate and are empowered to act, productivity increases, effectiveness is heightened and people become more satisfied in their work.
At the heart of this is the leader's ability to develop and engage the team. This one day workshop is highly interactive, using a variety of team tools and experiential learning techniques.
The workshop purpose is to provide leaders at all levels with some insights and practical ideas to develop their own work team.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Recruitment and Succession Planning for Boards – Wednesday 5th September

If your key staff or board members disappeared tomorrow, would your organisation sink or swim?
Succession Planning is all about future-proofing your organisation and capturing and protecting the precious "intellectual capital" and historic knowledge, which makes your organisation tick!
Using an easy step-by-step process, this workshop will equip participants to create their own Succession Plan, customised to meet the needs of any community organisation.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Writing Effective Case Notes – Monday 10th September

Whether you want to record client needs and progress for: government reports, handover, or for passing on essential care information to those providing quality care & support to others, then this session is for you.
This workshop provides participants with easy to remember information and simple models that will assist with producing short, objectively written and easy to read case notes, in line with a set of national standards.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Staff Performance and Management – Wednesday 12th September

You will explore how to manage performance as part of your human resource strategy in your organisation by establishing a performance culture, differentiating between appraisal, management and development, linking performance outcomes to strategic objectives, determining and measuring key performance indicators, recognising high achievers, managing low achievers, assessing Team performance vs. Individual performance, and having difficult conversations.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Event Management Made Easy! – Tuesday 18th September

Why are some events so successful and others a bit of a flop? Explore what it takes to make a great event, whether a great client program or a profitable fundraiser.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Presenting you Value Proposition – 20th September 2012

Changes to the way the WA State Government contracts community service organisations under the DCSP Policy has highlighted the need for services to really articulate their value proposition to their funding agencies. Tendering doesn't have to be difficult. Getting "the know how" and picking up some "ideas" can really help your organisation "stand out from the crowd". You will learn proven strategies, tools and techniques from experts in the tender request and response area.

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

Strategic Change Management – Thursday 20th September

Guiding change may be the ultimate test of a leader! Change is often resisted by the people it most affects. Identifying what needs to change by creating a sense of urgency and an appetite for change, is one of the fundamental steps in creating high performance within any organisation. This workshop provides a mix of the theory of change and numerous practical applications of the various steps of change.
For all the details, and to register online, please click here.

Finance Fundamentals for Not-for-Profits – Friday 21st September

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.

Sector News

Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards 2012

Do you know a young person who is passionately working towards tackling inequality? Do you know a school that is giving its students a greater understanding of disadvantage?
Applications are now open for the 2012 Anti-Poverty Awards.

The Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards recognise that there are many young people in Australia who are passionately working towards tackling inequality and injustices both in Australia and abroad.

These awards aim to recognise and highlight the hard work and dedication of individuals and schools across Australia who demonstrate a deep understanding of those in need.

Cash prizes up to $6000 will be awarded. School prize of $2500 Fairtrade sporting goods.

For more information and to apply visit facebook.com/connectionsunitingcare

ACNC Bill introduced to Parliament

The Australian Charity and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Taskforce is pleased that the ACNC Bill was introduced into the House of Representatives, today 23 August 2012 by the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon David Bradbury MP.

Assistant Commissioner, Murray Baird said that this marks significant progress towards establishing a national regulator for charities. Click here to read more.

NDS SCHADS Information and Resources Web Link

Click here to go to the NDS's SCHADS Information and Resources Web Link

NDS will be keeping the website updated with all the information and resources relating to the SACS Education and Information forums, webinars, teleconferences, etc. for employers and organisations.

Go in the draw to WIN A NEW IPAD 16GB

As part of the Australian Government's commitment to improving access to after-hours primary care services, Medicare Locals around Australia have been charged with examining after hours primary care in their area, identifying gaps and barriers to accessing after hours health services and developing approaches to improve after hours care.
Information supplied by you will be reported in terms of group findings, rather than individual results. However the name of your organisation will appear in the report concerning the outcomes of this consultation process to the government. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NV5XHJX
If you would like any further information or if you would like to contribute to the ongoing discussions and development of our After-hours program, please contact Shelagh Dawson Manager Population Health s.dawson@baml.com.au
Ph: (08) 9458 0505

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. Closing date is Friday 7th September.

Sector Events

Learn Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid - Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th August 2012 (Narrogin)

The Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid is a 14-hour course designed to train adults to assist others in mental health crisis situations and/or in the early stages of mental health problems.

Rural Community Support Services are offering this course at a reduced rate to improve mental health education access throughout the region.

Click here to download the flyer.
Click here to download the registration form.
Click here to download the Course overview.
Click here to download the course outline.

Self Help & Support Groups National Awareness Day - Wednesday 5th September

ConnectGroups has held a National Awareness Day for Self-help and Support Groups (NAD) for the last 2 years, attracting over 100 official participants and 100's of members of the public.

These events have been organised to increase the awareness of the role that Self Help and Support Groups play in the community, particularly in regards to sustainable and affordable health and mental health service provision. The events have also provided an invaluable opportunity for Self Help and Support Group members to network between themselves, and other organisations and agencies that are of importance to them and their clients. NAD in WA runs simultaneously with similar events in ACT, South Australia and Victoria. Click here to read more.

World Suicide Prevention Week One Life Conference 2012 - Wednesday 12th September

Hosted by ex-ABC Sports Commentator and One Life Ambassador, Glenn Mitchell, and introduced by Commissioner Eddie Bartnik, from The Mental Health Commission, you will hear global best practices from award winning keynote speaker, Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas, why workplaces are appropriate venues for developing comprehensive suicide prevention programs.

Click here to read more.

HepatitisWA 20th Year Celebrations - Monday 17th September

"Growing and regenerating across 20 years" Please join us to celebrate

Date: Monday 17th September
Place: Empyrean, 12 Lake Street Northbridge (Parking next door).
Time: 2pm start of "Body Armour" (50mins) performed by Ilbijerri Theatre (Vic) followed by refreshments to celebrate.
Please allow time to be seated prior to the performance.
RSVP: vivb@hepatitiswa.com.au by 30th August 2012

Unable to attend? Consider sending a video/youtube message for display at the celebrations.
Contact: eto@hepatitiswa.com.au

Or please visit this link: http://www.hepatitiswa.com.au/hepatitiswa/noticeboard/hepatitiswa-20th-year-celebrations.html

Therapy with Distressed Couples Workshop - Saturday 22nd September

A one day Workshop for Professionals exploring the dynamics in 'Distressed Couple' relationships.
The focus is experiential with a didactic component that will draw on Systems Theory, Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS) and Emotional Focussed Therapy (EFT).

Click here to read more.

Communicare Quiz Night - Friday 28th September

Come and test your knowledge while helping to support the building of the Communicare Academy for at risk or severely disengaged youth. Click here to read more.

Upcoming Courses at Anglicare WA

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

Supervision Training
Worker Safety for Home Visits
Introduction to Domestic Violence
Facilitation Skills

Community Safety Month - Friday 28th September to Wednesday 31st October

Community Safety Month provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations within the WA community to showcase their contributions towards creating a safer community as well as acknowledge the importance of safety in our everyday lives.

This year Community Safety Month will focus on safety issues resulting from alcohol misuse, including violence.

Click here to read more.

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.

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