The Power and Value of our STARS. Listen in!

In the latest episode of Community Matters, Tanya Southworth, Coordinator of the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS), shares valuable insights gained from her team of dedicated aged care volunteers. These volunteers work closely with older individuals who are "Bed Blocked" in hospitals, waiting for appropriate care. Tanya highlights the challenges these individuals face, often struggling with concerns about transitioning to residential services.

Throughout her conversation, Tanya addresses the common misapprehensions and fears both older people and their families experience when considering moving into aged care facilities. She emphasises the emotional impact and the importance of informed support in easing these transitions.

Tanya also discusses the significant role her volunteers play, offering real-life examples of how well-informed assistance can make a huge difference in the lives of both patients and their families. With the right knowledge and guidance, these volunteers help ensure that the wishes of older individuals are respected during what can be a daunting process.

As Tanya reveals, there are simple but effective strategies we can all adopt to ensure that our preferences are known and respected as we age. Tune in to hear how we can prepare for this stage of life with confidence and clarity.

🎙️ BEDBLOCK Part 3 Nicky meets with Tanya Southworth. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to join the conversation.

Link to Youtube Vodcast
Link to Spotify Podcast
Link to Apple iTunes

Breaking Down Barriers: Collaborative Solutions for Hospital-to-Aged-Care Transitions and the impact of STARS

Key stakeholders recently came together at the Residential Aged Care and Health Network Illawarra forum to address challenges and develop solutions for older people transitioning from hospital to aged care services. The forum brought together representatives from residential aged care providers, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHAC), Coordinare (Primary Health Network), and Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) to work collaboratively to improve the outcomes for older people waiting to transition from hospital into aged care services. 

A highlight of the discussions was the promising impact of CI Group's Support Transition Assistance Responders Service (STARS), which launched in May 2024. With 20 dedicated volunteers bringing extensive aged care experience, STARS has successfully helped 71% of referred older persons transition into residential aged care within 15 days of engagement.

The STARS program has progressively expanded its presence across the region's hospitals, beginning at Bulli Hospital and extending to Shellharbour, Coledale, and Figtree Hospitals. These specially trained volunteers provide crucial support to older people and their families, addressing concerns about the transition process, costs, and available options. They offer the invaluable gift of time – sitting with older people in hospital, listening to their worries, and helping them navigate the complexities of aged care decisions.

For providers interested in connecting with the STARS program, volunteer coordinator Tanya Southworth can be contacted at [email protected] or 0498 805 318.

Interchange Illawarra is excited to introduce the BestLife Support Program.

This new initiative has been designed for individuals aged 18 and over with low to moderate support needs. This exciting program offers a wide range of activities, from fishing and cooking to Zumba and bushwalking, ensuring there’s something to suit everyone’s interests.

The BestLife Support Program takes place at Interchange Illawarra's newly built community centre and office, located at 114 Church Street, Wollongong. With activities running from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays, participants can enjoy a structured and supportive environment tailored to their needs. The program runs for 12 weeks, allowing individuals to join on a flexible schedule—whether it's one day a week or more.

For those who require transport, it is available to ensure easy access to the centre. This program not only promotes independence but also fosters social connection and personal development, empowering individuals to explore new activities and build confidence.

The BestLife Support Program is a wonderful opportunity for participants to enjoy a variety of enriching activities in a safe and welcoming environment. For more details or to sign up, click the link below.

CI Group had the chance to attend the Gawura Aboriginal Corporations Grand Opening of Uncle Gee’s Bunbari Centre today, and it was a wonderful event! 

The Centre, located at Shellharbour, is a safe and welcoming space for young people under 18, offering a variety of programs like music, art, dance, and language courses.

It was exciting to meet the team behind the Centre and learn about all the opportunities they’ll provide for youth to grow and connect. The atmosphere was full of energy, with local businesses and services also showcasing what they offer to the community.

It’s clear that the Bunbari Centre will play an important role in supporting young people and bringing the community together. We are excited to see how it continues to grow and inspire. If you're nearby, we highly recommend checking it out!

Don't forget to register for our FREE upcoming Live South Coast Aged Care Interagency Session

Thursday February 27, 12pm-1.30pm where we'll be debriefing Paul Sadler's Aged Care Reforms update (Register here for his update separately) through a hybrid in-person/online format - light lunch will be provided!

This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Review where your organisation stands in the transition to the New Aged Care Act

• Network with other organisations facing similar challenges

• Get your questions answered in real-time (and any we can't answer we will take back to the Sector Support and Development Network brain's trust!)

Important Registration Details:

1. Live South Coast Aged Care Interagency session, Thursday February 27, 12pm-1.30pm - in-person places limited so jump in quick!

2. Paul Sadler's Aged Care Reforms Update: Date: February 26, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Please note: This requires separate registration

Session Overview:

• SSDs Katelin McInerney and Alice Russack will host an interactive debrief and Q&A@ Dr Mackay Community Centr3e, Vulcan St

• We'll recap key highlights from Paul Sadler's presentation

• Paul brings over 35 years of experience in the aged care sector

• You'll have the opportunity to discuss implementation strategies with other services and learn how others are managing the challenges of the new Aged Care reforms

For any questions about the session, please contact: Katelin McInerney at [email protected]

Calling all Health Care Professionals - Register for your FREE Independence Australia NSW/ACT Education Days for 2025 

Attending Independence Australia’s Education Days isn’t just about staying abreast of industry updates; it’s about elevating your practice and empowering yourself to deliver exceptional care. Whether you’re a veteran nurse, a rising therapist, or an allied health professional seeking deeper knowledge, these events offer a valuable platform for growth and development. 

The 1st of 14 planned Independence Australia Education Day’s for healthcare professionals starts in Sydney on 18th March. Newcastle follows on 20th March, Wollongong on 25th March and Canberra on 27th March.

You can register at our Independence Australia Healthcare Professionals website or https://www.educationdays.com.au/.

This is a FREE event for all healthcare professionals where each event will include world class evidence based best practice talks on areas such as wound care management, continence, nutrition, and psychology amongst other topics.

CPD points are on offer, as well as an opportunity to discuss new products from leading manufacturers such as TENA, Ontex, Hartmann, KCA, Molnlycke and Essity amongst many others.

 Best of all a delicious complimentary morning tea and lunch will be provided.

ClubGRANTS 2025 - Find Your Local Grant Round

Use the find your local grant round search to find out what funding is available and how to apply in your area.

Category 1 (Most Common)

Supports community welfare and social services; community development; employment assistance activities; community health services; and projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people.

Category 2

Provides funding for general community development and support activities, such as junior sport.

BCR’s Community Services Team & The Office of the Children’s Guardian are on the road for some FREE training in the Shoalhaven Area.

BCR have been working in partnership with the OCG to be able to host the training in the Bay & Basin area at Sanctuary Point Youth & Community Centre, on the 26th of March from 10 am – 3 pm, lunch provided by Community Industry Group. Please see the below links for the workshops:

Developing a Code of Conduct – Sanctuary Point Morning Session:

Empowerment and Participation – Sanctuary Point Afternoon Session:

Agenda for the day is as below
Morning Session – 10 am – 12 midday
Lunch – 12 midday – 1 pm – funded by Community Industry Group
Afternoon session – 1 pm – 3 pm 

TAFE NSW is doing some important work to better understand local needs and aspirations. We intend to use this information to shape and inform our local planning.

We want as many voices as possible, and people can respond as individuals or on behalf of a business or community group they represent.

So, do you think the training, support services, and facilities at your local campus meet the needs of the community? Are we in good shape to help foster opportunities for education and employment where you live? What more can we do to help your community thrive?

The survey takes about 10 minutes and is open until Monday 31 March 2025 via haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tafensw2025.

For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 610 
FCS LINK: Workbook: FCS Interactive Dashboard Service Delivery 23_24

Saltwater Festival are seeking sponsorship!

Saltwater Festival is seeking sponsorship for this years event, to be able to continue to bring this great event to the community for free. Please feel free to share with anyone. Sponsorship package attached and a great video below showcasing the festival and asking for sponsorship. Link to sponsorship package.

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

Supporting Stronger Communities Grant Program

The Supporting Stronger Communities (SSC) grant program provides Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) across Australia the opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 for projects/programs that seek to promote equality and inclusion.

​This grant program will seek to achieve national coverage across the total grant pool. As such, targets are set for the proportion of funding that will be allocated in each state per round.

​WHO CAN APPLY?

• All NCHCs located within metropolitan areas are eligible (see this document). Other NCHCs located in towns or cities with a population of more than 15,000 people are also eligible, based on postcode.

• If you are from an area with a smaller population, see Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program.

• These grants are only available to NCHCs who are members of our state peak bodies.

• Only one submission will be considered per NCHCS in each round.

Before you begin your application determine whether your project meets the eligibility criteria by reading the applicant guidelines. If you are unsure, contact Jarrah on 0428 964 817 or [email protected]

Dealing with Debts Free Webinar

Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre are excited to announce their next Webinar to help community service providers gain a deeper understanding of a range of legal matters that can enhance service delivery to clients.  

Our next session is scheduled for Monday 24th February, covering Dealing with debts, and we would be delighted if you could join us, please see the webinar flyer attached and click the register link at the bottom of the page to register for the event to receive the webinar link.    

Please note that these sessions are specifically tailored for service providers working within the LGAs of Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley Shire, Queanbeyan-Palerang, and Snowy Monaro. Book your place here.

FRRR 'Rebuilding Futures' Disaster Resilience & Preparedness Grant Opportunity Information Session

This workshop will present details of the Suncorp Rebuilding Futures grant program including discussions on the type of projects that meet the grant criteria and any priority areas.

The Suncorp Rebuilding Futures grant program seeks to support disaster preparedness and recovery projects activated by local remote, rural and regional communities across Australia that have been impacted by disaster or extreme weather events from 2019 -2024.

Grants of up to $20,000 (Stream 1) are available for projects focussed on the medium to long-term recovery and resilience building of the local community AND between $20,000 - $50,000 (Stream 2) for projects focussed on community infrastructure preparedness work that aims to 'build back better'.

SILA Information Session

Applications are opening soon for NSW & ACT CEOs to participate in the fully-funded Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) program. Valued at $80,000 per delegate, this world class, capacity building initiative is specifically designed for leaders of for-purpose organisations

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