General WACOSS News

WACOSS Submission to the Joint Inquiry into the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Bill 2012

WACOSS has made a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services and the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Bill 2012. The ACNC Bill was referred to committee on very short notice, hearings were held in Canberra on the 3rd & 4th September, and the committee is expected to report next week with the Government hoping the Bill will be passed by 1st October.

Click here to read more.

Changes in Charity and Not for Profit Laws- Preparing for Transition

In preparation for the changes to charity laws, WACOSS, ADD-Ministry and the Christian Churches of WA are pleased to host a series of information sessions in October and November.

Preparing for Transition information seminars will be held on the following dates and locations;

Thursday 18th October - Perth
Monday 29th October - Geraldton
Tuesday 30th October - Perth
Wednesday 31st October - Port Hedland
Saturday 3rd November - Bunbury

Click here for more information.

Breakfast Seminar – Special Guest Speaker Susan Pascoe AM Commissioner-elect for the ACNC and Francis Lynch WACOSS President

A breakfast seminar for CEO's and Board Chairs of Charities and Not for Profits will be held on Thursday 18th October. This essential information breakfast seminar for Managers, CEO and Committees Members and Boards, will provide an update on law reforms that affect charities and NFPs focusing on the new Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Click here for more information.

WACOSS Submission – Newstart Inquiry

In August, WACOSS prepared a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relation's inquiry into the "adequacy of the allowance payment system for jobseekers and others, the appropriateness of the allowance payment system as a support into work and the impact of the changing nature of the labour market".

ACOSS have been leading the call for allowances such as Newstart to be raised.

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 allowance recipients in Western Australia. WACOSS's submission can be read here.

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.

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.

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.

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

New workshops in the Funding Reform Program workshop series

WACOSS Funding Reform Program offers community service organisations going through changes under the Delivering Community Services in Partnership – policy continuous support. Register now for the latest workshops that will assist you in understanding and implementing the reforms into business as usual.
Click here to read more.

Energy Bills and Utility Issues Workshops

WACOSS, in partnership with Anglicare WA, invite you to register for the following free workshops: 'Supporting Clients with Utility Issues' and 'Strategies to Reduce Your Energy Bills'.

Please note that your clients are also welcome to attend the 'Strategies to Reduce Your Energy Bills' session. Please encourage them to register and come along.

• Supporting Clients with Utility Issues: 9:30am - 12:30pm | Armadale | Midland
• Strategies to Reduce Your Energy Bills: 1:30pm - 4:30pm | Armadale | Midland

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.

Being an Effective Leader – Monday 24th September

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.

Sector News

Community Child Health Initiative: Partnering with the community services sector.

The State Government has invested $58.5 million statewide over four years to improve access to community child health services across WA. Service providers have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft service specifications and qualitative criteria, prior to the Tender being advertised. Click here to read more.

What the ACNC will mean for charities – watch the YouTube video

The first in a series of three new videos by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Taskforce has been released on YouTube.
The video aims to engage the Australian charity sector and serves as good introduction to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Click here to read more.

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

What Cancer Council WA can offer

Cancer Council Western Australia is committed to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in our community. Cancer Council is able to offer the social and community services sector a range of training and education opportunities around cancer prevention, including support for workplaces wanting to help their staff to quit smoking, various training options for staff wanting to assist their clients to quit smoking, food literacy and skill development for adults and families living in low socioeconomic circumstances, and education sessions on a wide range of cancer topics. If you or someone you know is seeking confidential cancer related information and support you can call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in WA. 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 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

Model Work Health and Safety Regulations Consultations - September

The State Government is seeking public comment on the costs and benefits of the proposed national Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations as they apply specifically to Western Australian workplaces.
WorkSafe has engaged Marsden Jacob Associates to conduct the two-month consultation process to assess the potential costs and benefits of the proposed laws to the WA community. All workplace participants are invited to provide comment between now and close of business Friday 12 October 2012. Click here to read more.

Upcoming Courses at Anglicare WA

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

Introduction to Domestic Violence
Facilitation Skills
Working with Family and Domestic Violence
FDR: Ensuring the Safety of all Participants
Supervision Training

Self Help and Support Groups Awareness Day - Thursday 13th September

COSHG invites the Self Help and Support Groups community to join them in a day of information and activities celebrating Self Help and Support Groups Awareness Day, 'Continuing the conversation': Celebrating 35 years of COSHG. Click here for more information.

The role of frontline services in addressing homelessness: Focus Group participants required - Monday 17th September

Researchers from the Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning (CHURP) at the University of Adelaide are currently researching interactions between people experiencing homelessness and front line service staff such as the police force, ambulance service, emergency departments and specialist homelessness service providers.
This study seeks the views of frontline service staff dealing with homeless persons, the frequency of such interactions, the effectiveness (or absence of proscribed) policies, and locally apparent solutions to the challenge of homelessness. 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.

People Passion Possibilites Workforce Forum - Thursday 27th September

The aged care workforce is facing new challenges. Are you ready to manage them?
This special forum, will highlight the critical issues surrounding the workforce in this industry and will feature great tips on managing people in
the 21st century. The speakers at the Forum will provide an overview of the future workforce; give tips on how to develop skills in Effective recruitment & retention; advise how to Managing intergenerational & cultural issues and discuss the important issue of Workforce Planning. Don't miss this opportunity. Click here for more information.

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.

Men's Sheds Conference will Share the Knowledge - Wednesday 3rd 7 Thursday 4th October

The successes and challenges of establishing and maintaining a successful men's shed will be tackled at a conference where the rapidly growing network of "shedders" will Share the Knowledge about their shed's successes and challenges.
The 2012 WA Men's Shed Conference and Trade Exhibition will be held at the Mosman Park Community Men's Shed, Tom Perrott Reserve, Mosman Park, Western Australia on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th October 2012.

Click here for more information. Click here to download a Registration Brochure.

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.

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