Modern Slavery - Shining a light with Dr James Cockayne, NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

This week, the Illawarra was fortunate to have a visit from Dr James Cockayne, NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner, to speak about how to avoid buying goods and services from businesses with connections to modern slavery. It is a worldwide issue, with an estimated 50 million people trapped in modern slavery. There are currently around 41,000 cases in Australia, with the most common form in this country being forced marriage.

Community service organisations are often in a prime position to recognise people being exploited in this way, and it behoves us all well to cast a modern slavery lens over our interactions with people who are in vulnerable circumstances. Modern slavery practices include forced labour, trafficking, forced marriage, debt bondage, deceptive recruiting for labour or services, and child labour. Women, children, international students, migrants, and refugees are particularly vulnerable to modern slavery practices. Signs to watch out for include:

• Their workplace is also being used for their accommodation.

• They work excessive hours and/or never seem to have days off.

• They distrust authorities (people are often held under threat of deportation).

• They don’t have access to their passport or other identity documents.

• Signs of psychological trauma or untreated injuries.

• Control over movement (being picked up and dropped off in groups).

• Control over phone usage.

• Unsuitable clothing for work or for the weather conditions and lack of personal possessions.

• They are reluctant to speak or let someone else answer questions put to them.

If you suspect someone is being held under modern slavery conditions, you can report it to the Federal Police on 131237. Victims are entitled to a range of supports under the NSW scheme for supporting victims of crime.

Calling South Coast Aged Care Service Industry Members!

Are you part of our South Coast Aged Care Interagency group? (SCASI)

CI Group understand that people in the sector are short on time and juggling large workloads already, so the South Coast Aged Care Interagency is a focused, targeted monthly online meeting that connects you with the latest updates in aged care reforms, business practices and training opportunities. It is a chance to connect with other services in the region to hear about how they are tackling the challenges in the sector.

The SCASI currently attracts a wide spectrum of the sector to our monthly hour-long ‘hook-ups’ and is often the only time busy people in the sector get to speak to other organisations.

Membership of SCASI gives you the chance to have your say and add your voice to these discussions. The SCASI meetings are also an opportunity for Community Industry Group to provide short tailored learning opportunities and information sessions in a fast and accessible format. There are no obligations on you to attend every meeting, but it is a collegiate and useful space.

Why SCASI? Because Community Industry Group are the regional peak organisation for South Coast and Southern NSW Aged Care providers we can ensure organisations have their say about the reforms to the sector. 

One regular participant summed it up: 'The South Coast Aged Services Interagency meetings are so beneficial for providers in our area. It is an opportunity to share updates, ask questions, and connect with each other to discuss sector successes and challenges. Much appreciated and always valued.'

Email Eliza Miller (CI Group’s Southern Project and Policy Officer)
to come along [email protected]

Families Australia - ‘Changing the Balance’ Survey

Background - Over the coming years, the National Child and Family Investment Strategy, (currently under development), will drive a shift in proportionate investment for child and family services delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, towards the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) sector.

On behalf of the National Coalition, Families Australia have been engaged by the Department of Social Services to undertake the ‘Changing the Balance’ research project which explores the potential impact on Non-Indigenous Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). See here for more information on the project.

Supporting a smooth transition across the sector - What are the opportunities and challenges which need to be considered as the non-indigenous NGO sector supports the growth of the ACCO sector?

‘Families Australia’ want to hear from services about the potential impacts on the non-Indigenous NGO sector including:

• the impact of the transition on service delivery
• any organisation and / or operational challenges
• recommendations and suggestions to ensure service continuity to families, children and young people during a time of change and beyond.

While all are welcome to respond, this survey primarily seeks to capture the perspective of managers, senior managers and executive staff (including board members) of non-Indigenous non-government organisations (NGOs) who:

• have undertaken a similar transition process; or
• are receiving Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) funding for child and family services.

The development of the National Child and Family Investment Strategy includes general, and First Nations specific consultation mechanisms led by SNAICC. State and Territory governments are also developing engagement strategies related to this matter for their respective sectors.

This survey collects only demographic information about your organisation. All respondents will remain anonymous. The information will be used for the purpose of producing a report for DSS. Duration: 20 minutes to complete. You will not be able to save responses to complete later. The survey closes Friday 3 May 2024. For queries about this survey contact: [email protected] 

TEI & FCS Recommissioning Forum - May 14, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

We're reaching out to inform you that the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is currently in the initial phases of recommissioning the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) and Family Connect and Support (FCS) programs. With existing contracts set to expire on June 30, 2025, and new Program Specifications on the horizon, it's an important time for our region. The Illawarra Shoalhaven District will be hosting a forum on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Kiama Leagues Club.

This gathering aims to provide an opportunity for you to share insights into the needs and priorities of your community, as well as the service system that underpins it.

Chrissie Witherdin, Director of Commissioning and Planning at DCJ, along with members of the DCJ TEI team, will be present to engage in discussions. To ensure broad representation, DCJ kindly request that each organisation sends a maximum of two representatives.

CI Group are calling for TEI providers to send through questions and/or comments that may not have been addressed at the recent TEI information sessions. The hope is these will be addressed at the upcoming forum. Please send through questions/comments to Donna Rogers [email protected] by Friday 10 May for collation.

We look forward to your participation and valuable contributions to this important dialogue.

The Power of Collective Action - Addressing Natural Disasters.

The widespread and devastating floods that occurred in NSW during March 2024 were an unprecedented catastrophe. One of our local Aged Care Providers faced significant inundation, leading to the evacuation of 13 Independent Living Units. CI Group facilitated direct connection with the Reconstruction Authority, enabling prompt assistance.

The Authority arranged staff visits to aid impacted residents in accessing available support and grants. In this case, we as a ‘conduit’, providing pertinent information to the NSW Reconstruction Authority Team, aimed at gaining insights into the local landscape and identifying areas where assistance could be instrumental in response to the recent devastating flooding event.

Our role encompassed not only relaying information but also establishing connections with local service providers that facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs emerging in the aftermath of the floods. This ensured that resources, expertise, and support were effectively mobilised and channelled to where they were most needed. Connecting Reconstruction Authority with CI Group Members facilitated direct access to impacted communities in our region.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority have been undertaking Community Recovery activities within the Wollongong and Nowra regions. They are keen to build their database of local NGO support services to assist with information-sharing in current and future crises.

If you would like to be included in their database, please send the following information via email to [email protected]

• Your Name 

• Organisation Name 

• Best Contact Number 

• Email Address 

• Area or location that your organisation covers

Foundations of LGBTQIA+ Training

Hoarding & Squalor Training

No formal preparation needed!

Community Industry Group in conjunction with LivingWorks Australia will be holding 2 free 4-hour training sessions. One on Wednesday 22 May in Dapto and another on Thursday 23 May at Nowra focusing on suicide alertness via SafeTALK training. SafeTALK is a half-day training session to help participants recognise a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them in choosing to live. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training.

LivingWorks safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training Illawarra - May 22
https://20240522LivingWorksSuicidePrevention.eventbrite.com.au

LivingWorks safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training Shoalhaven - May 23
https://20240523LivingWorksSuicidePrevention.eventbrite.com.au

Portable Long Service Leave - Accumulation regardless of job changes within the field - Have your say!

Share your thoughts on a new portable long service leave plan for the community services sector introduced by the NSW Government. This plan ensures that workers in the sector continue to accumulate long service leave regardless of job changes within the field.

Community services workers in NSW are renowned for their commitment to social inclusion and wellbeing, yet many face challenges like stress, burnout, and job instability. Employers in the sector are dealing with rising demand for services while grappling with workforce issues, including retention and recruitment.

Learn more and participate in the consultation process at "Have your Say - Portable long service leave for community services" website. You can complete a survey, give feedback, or share your experiences until April 30, 2024. Detailed documents and a draft bill are available on the site. For inquiries, contact [email protected] .

Grants & Funding Opportunities

The latest round of DOHAC Grant Funding for Growth is now open to Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers. 

The grant opportunity is a targeted growth round with $100 million available in the 2024-25 financial year for providers looking to increase the availability of Domestic Assistance, Home Maintenance, Allied Health, Therapy and Transport Services. 

The grant opportunity seeks to attract new providers currently delivering other similar services that are focused on supporting the care economy, including those for Aged Care, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Disability Support Scheme. 

Estimated Period of Release: January to June 2024. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Grants Available for recent flood affected areas: Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.

2024 Community Grants | NSW Ports

The NSW Ports 2024 Community Grants Program is open to Australian registered not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and schools that have a clear vision and goal to enhance the communities living nearby our ports and intermodal terminals through projects, programs or initiatives.

Click here for more information about our local operational areas.         How to apply - For consideration in the NSW Ports 2024 Community Grants Program, you must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below and submit an Application Form (including all supporting information) by no later than 5 pm on Sunday, 28 April 2024.

Please read the Program Guidelines and Terms and Conditions for the full eligibility criteria, prior to beginning your Application Form.

Members News

Are you a member who wants to add something to our ‘Members News’ section in our Newsletter?

Guidelines: If you are a member and want to add something to our Newsletter email [email protected]. Please keep all submissions between 50 and 100 words with a link to further info (images are also welcome).

Last Monday’s visit to Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation - Community Culture Day!

Last Monday, the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation opened its grounds for a vibrant Community Culture Day, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in Indigenous traditions and environmental stewardship. We were lucky enough to be there to document the day and to take pictures at the event for them. https://www.coomaditchie.org.au/

The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, setting the tone for a day of connection and learning. Members of the community gathered in a yarning circle to share stories and insights about cultural heritage, bush regeneration, and water management at Coomie Lagoon. It was a powerful reminder of the deep connection between the land and its custodians.

Participants then had the opportunity to get their hands dirty and ‘give back’ through a Free Bush Care and Planting Workshop. Led by the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and Wollongong City Council, the workshop provided practical skills and knowledge about caring for Country. Together, they planted native species, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the local ecosystem.

The event not only fostered a sense of community spirit but also served as a platform for cultural exchange and environmental education. By coming together to celebrate Indigenous culture and care for the land, we left feeling inspired and delighted to see so many kids making meaningful memories and positive change for their community.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards!

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual event hosted by
The Centre for Volunteering. The Awards aim to recognise the contributions, dedication and excellence of volunteers from across every part of the NSW volunteering sector.  There are eight award categories in which to nominate, from Young Volunteer of the Year to Volunteer Team of the Year. 

Nominations for the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards open from Monday 18 March and close on Friday 14 June.  

Details regarding the Awards and how to nominate can be found below.

Member Jobs / Positions Vacant

Food For Thought