🌟 New Podcast Series Alert: Bed Block in Focus 🌟 Launching soon!

What if I told you one in five hospital beds in the Illawarra Shoalhaven is unavailable for local patients because it’s occupied by someone with no place to call home? Or that across NSW, the equivalent of seven hospitals are filled with people not receiving medical care but living there because they have no safe alternative?

These are the confronting realities of Bed Block—a critical issue affecting not just older people or individuals with disabilities but everyone in our community who relies on hospital care.

As a part of our new podcast/vodcast series Community Matters, we embark on a five-part series, where we dive deep into the challenges of bed block in the Illawarra and South Coast region. Hosted by our CEO, Nicky Sloan, this series brings together passionate experts, including Margot Mains, CEO of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, to explore:

• The underlying causes of bed block, its ripple effects across the health system, and it’s impact on the community

• Innovative strategies and bold solutions to tackle this growing crisis.

• How community-driven efforts can make a real difference.

This series highlights the human stories behind the statistics and sheds light on what’s needed to solve this urgent issue. With thought-provoking discussions and powerful insights, it’s a must-listen for anyone invested in creating healthier, fairer communities.

🎙️ Episode 1 where Nicky meets with Margot Mains drops soon! Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to join the conversation. Subscribe to our Newsletter here for updates.

CI Group Submission Consult: Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework Consultation Paper 

The National Office for Child Safety (National Office) is undertaking broad consultation on a proposed model for a National Voluntary Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework for non-government organisations and invites feedback and submissions. 

We want to hear from you - Community Industry Group is seeking input from our members to contribute to our submission. Please complete the following Questionnaire here. to ensure our regions' perspectives are heard - your insight and case studies add depth and weight to our submissions. All responses will be de-identified unless approval from your organisation granted.

Background: The National Office for Child Safety is seeking feedback on a proposed Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework, which aims to help non-government organisations build their child safety capability and implement effective policies. This framework is part of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and will sit alongside existing state-based Child Safe Standards. It focuses on embedding cultures that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all children, informed by the perspectives of victims and survivors, and values cultural safety. The framework is designed to support organisations that aren’t typically covered by existing child safety regulations.

This project sits under National Action Plan measure 2 of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030) to ‘Set up an ongoing national annual reporting framework for non-government organisations to report on their progress to create and maintain child safe cultures’. The following two attachments provide further detail:

1. Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework: Consultation Paper. 

2. Frequently Asked Questions - Child Safety Annual Reporting Framework Consultation Paper.

HR Community of Practice is back!

Our HR Community of Practice will begin meeting again in February, starting with “A spotlight on current HR highlights and challenges”, and will continue bi monthly thereafter. Please see the first few dates below and pop them in your calendar.

We invite all members with interest or expertise in HR issues to join us. We would really like to welcome other organisations to our meetings and increase our capacity for learning and sharing within this collaborative group.

Our next meetings are:

• Thursday February 13, 3.30pm-5pm 
• Thursday April 10, 3.30pm - 5pm (to avoid Easter/Anzac day holidays etc)
• Thursday June 19, 3.30pm - 5pm 

Unlock the Tools to Tackle Hoarding and Squalor

Join us this February for an eye-opening and practical training event designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to address hoarding and squalor with compassion and confidence.

Hoarding and squalor are complex issues that affect individuals and their communities, creating significant health, safety, and social challenges. This interactive workshop, delivered by experts in the field, will provide practical strategies to navigate these situations, from understanding the psychological drivers of hoarding to implementing effective intervention plans.

📅 When: 19 February 2025
📍 Where: Online Event 

This training is perfect for frontline workers, case managers, and anyone passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Gain invaluable insights, network with like-minded professionals, and walk away with the tools to turn difficult situations into opportunities for transformation.

Spots are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this essential event!

👉 Register now at events.humanitix.com/hoarder-and-squalor.

TEI and FCS dashboards are now live!

The TEI and FCS dashboards have been updated with data from the 2023-2024 financial year and are now live. These interactive tools provide an easy way to view data reported by service providers through the Data Exchange (DEX), offering valuable insights into the TEI and FCS programs at both local and district levels. 

TEI LINK: Access to TEI dashboard | Communities and Justice

FCS LINK: Workbook: FCS Interactive Dashboard Service Delivery 23_24

Join Us for a FREE Seniors Week Aboriginal Art Workshop

Celebrate Seniors Week with an inspiring Aboriginal Art Workshop at Coomaditchie! Join us on Tuesday, 4 March, from 10 am to 2 pm, for a creative and cultural experience in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Lead artist Elders Auntie Lorraine Brown and Auntie Narelle Thomas

This workshop is open to all seniors and offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of our region through art. Guided by skilled Aboriginal artists, participants will create their own masterpieces while learning about traditional techniques and stories.

Spaces are limited to 20 participants, so don’t miss out! Bookings are essential. Please contact us at [email protected] or call Community Industry Group on 02 4256 4333 to secure your spot.

Light catering will be provided, and all materials, including canvases, are supplied. Whether you're an experienced artist or trying something new, this workshop promises a day of creativity, connection, and cultural appreciation.

We can’t wait to see you there! Link to book.

Wollongong City Council ClubGRANTS 2025: Applications Open Soon!

Are you a not-for-profit organisation delivering impactful projects in the Wollongong area? The 2025 round of ClubGRANTS is your opportunity to secure funding for initiatives that support our community’s most pressing needs.

Key Details:

• Applications Open: 6am, Saturday 1st February 2025

• Applications Close: 5pm, Saturday 31st May 2025

Local priorities for funding include services and programs in areas such as aged care, disability, youth, family support, community education, health promotion, domestic violence, and more. For a full list of priorities, visit [Wollongong City Council’s website].

Grant Process Overview:

• Applications will be reviewed and prioritised by a diverse local committee, including representatives from Wollongong City Council, local clubs, and the community sector.

• Funding decisions will be finalised by September 2025, with funds distributed shortly thereafter.

This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the Wollongong Local Government Area. Don’t miss your chance to apply! Visit ClubGRANTS to learn more about eligibility and start preparing your application today!

📢 Expression of Interest: Free Child Safety Training in the Shoalhaven Area

The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG), an independent NSW statutory authority dedicated to child safety, is bringing its expertise to the Shoalhaven area! Thanks to a partnership with BCR’s Community Services Team, a full day of free training will be held at Sanctuary Point Youth & Community Centre in March 2025.

What’s on Offer?

This one-day training event includes two valuable sessions for organisations and groups committed to keeping children safe:

Morning Session:

• Empowerment and Participation Workshop

• An interactive session to help you understand your reporting obligations as a child-safe organisation/group.

Afternoon Session:

• Developing a Child Safe Code of Conduct

• Guidance on creating or revising a Child Safe Code of Conduct to safeguard children in your organisation.

When: We’re proposing two Wednesdays in mid to late March.
Either 19th or 26th March 2025.

How to Get Involved: Please express your interest and indicate your preferred date by emailing us before 4th February 2025.

Contact details:
Donna Corbyn
Community Program Officer
📞 1300 222 748
📱 0497 064 542
📧 [email protected]
📍 Sanctuary Point Youth & Community Centre
🌐 BCRcommunities.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organisation’s child safety practices. Share this with your networks, staff, and volunteers to ensure everyone can benefit from this essential training.

Together, let’s create safer communities for children!

30 Years of Community Support with BBCR

Over 30 years ago, the Bay and Basin region of NSW faced a significant gap in community services, especially for young people. In 1989, a group of passionate local residents took action. Concerned about the lack of resources, they approached the Shoalhaven City Council to advocate for solutions. From that meeting, the Bay & Basin Community Resources (BBCR) Committee was born.

The Committee’s first goal was to build a community space where local youth and families could access much-needed services. Through hard work and determination, the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre opened in 1991. Since then, the Centre has become a vibrant hub for events, activities, workshops, and social groups, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

BBCR continued to evolve to meet the growing needs of the Bay and Basin communities. In 1993, it launched Aged Care services to support seniors in maintaining independence at home. By 2000, BBCR began delivering the national Respite for Carers program in Shoalhaven, which transitioned into the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) it offers today.

Today, BBCR provides a wide range of services, including youth programs, aged care, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring the Bay and Basin region thrives. Learn more at BBCR Communities.

Non-fatal Strangulation - ‘It Left No Marks’ online training

Women’s Health NSW will be delivering a group online training for any NSW service providers or healthcare providers keen to improve their recognition and understanding of strangulation, sexual choking, and acquired brain injury, and identify best practice. This will be our last free training opportunity for external services before this project concludes in July 2025. We encourage you to register early as places are limited.

Date: Thursday 3 April 2025
Time: 12pm to 1.30pm
Location: Online (Teams)
Cost: Free!

Guidelines: If you are a member and want to add something
to our Newsletter email your flyer to [email protected].