Happy New Year! As we step into 2025..

As we step into 2025, I feel a deep sense of enthusiasm to continue striving for stronger, more connected communities across our region. Reflecting on the past year together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated achievements, and continuously worked to make our communities more inclusive and resilient.

This year, the Illawarra and South Coast region will face ongoing pressures, including the rising cost of living, workforce shortages, and the increasing demand for services. At the same time, the voice of our not-for-profit community is more critical than ever in shaping policies and advocating for systemic change.

At Community Industry Group, we are committed to supporting our members through these challenges and seizing opportunities to amplify your important work. In 2025, we’ll continue to focus on strengthening partnerships, providing training and resources, and advocating for the issues that matter most to you and your communities. We rely on our members and collaborators to inform our work and our direction, and we are incredibly grateful for your ongoing contributions.

We’ll continue to address housing affordability, funding for essential services, and workforce development for our not-for-profit community sector, among many other issues.

I’m confident that together, we can turn challenges into opportunities, build stronger foundations for our member organisations, and create lasting positive impacts for the people we serve. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so much to our projects and initiatives throughout 2024. Your dedication and passion drive us forward. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

Nicky Sloan
CEO, Community Industry Group

Connect brand new donated goods directly to your service or school - Introducing Goods 360 Australia

Community Industry Group is proud to introduce Good360 Australia, an organisation that connects charities, schools, and vulnerable communities with businesses donating surplus or unsold goods, services, and disaster recovery essentials. Membership to Good360 is free and comes with numerous benefits.

As a Good360 member, you’ll access new products from leading Australian brands and retailers to support your programs and services. These items include nappies and toys for domestic violence shelters, notebooks for schools, clothing and toiletries for residential centres, make-up for teens and women in hardship, and much more. The goods are free, with only a small shipping and handling cost. We encourage all members to explore this resource. Join the Circle of Good today by visiting Good360’s website or contacting their Customer Success team at (02) 8594 3600. Good360 helps charities save time and money, so they can focus on making a difference.

Grant Opportunity: National Child and Family Investment Strategy – Innovation Fund

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is promoting the Innovation Fund, a targeted grant opportunity running 8 January – 5 February 2025.

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and non-Indigenous organisations partnering with ACCOs, this grant supports projects in priority locations across Australia. Up to $8.573M over three years is available, with individual projects eligible for up to $1.2M.

The goal? To strengthen ACCO-led child and family services and shift focus to prevention and early support. Official Grant Link.

Start planning now! Contact [email protected] for details.

Recent Updates on the TEI Program

Prior to the end of 2024, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) made several important announcements regarding the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program. It has been announced that 5.5-year contracts will be in place for organisations, starting in January 2026, following a six-month extension. This longer contract term, now 12 months longer than previously announced.

CI Group is encouraging all TEI providers to review the updated draft TEI Program Specifications (TEI Program Specifications) and send through feedback to Donna at [email protected].

The document has been updated (November 2024 - Version 3) with several key changes:

• Evidence-informed parenting programs and supported playgroups have been revised.

• Common Assessment Tool (CAT): The CAT will now be an optional tool for comprehensive assessments, with DCJ offering guidance, training, and updates as needed. FCS providers will continue to use the CAT for assessments.

• Focus on domestic and family violence: There is an increased emphasis on the role of early intervention in addressing domestic and family violence, with a new requirement for ‘identifying and responding to family violence’ and updates to the Wellbeing and Safety program activities.

• Outcomes for Aboriginal people framework: Developed by Aboriginal Community Partner Forums, this framework includes cultural outcomes specific to Aboriginal people in the TEI program.

• Reporting frequency: Reporting has shifted from bi-annual to quarterly, in response to sector feedback about the value of regular updates.

• Clarifications and additions: Minor adjustments to improve clarity, reinforce the role of community strengthening organisations, and clarify ‘Service Type’ definitions.

The final TEI Evaluation Report (dcj.nsw.gov.au/documents/service-providers/deliver-services-to-children-and-families/targeted-earlier-intervention-program/Final_TEI_evaluation_report.pdf)  is now available on the TEI website, and all TEI providers are strongly encouraged to review it. The report builds on earlier findings and analyses the positive impact of TEI in reducing children and young people's involvement with the child protection system, as well as the program's economic benefits.

Come January 2026, TEI & FCS programs will be renamed the Community and Family Support Program, effective with the new contracts.

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.

Cook and Chill: Your Free Seasonal Cookbook - Available for this week only!

Discover the joy of simple, wholesome cooking with Cook and Chill, a free seasonal cookbook designed to inspire healthier, fairer food choices. Created by the dedicated team at Healthy Cities Illawarra, this beautifully crafted resource is your go-to guide for preparing nutritious meals while supporting sustainable practices.

Developed with the support of the Australian Government Department of Social Services, Cook and Chill combines expert nutrition insights with practical tips to make healthy eating accessible for everyone. Whether you're looking for family-friendly recipes, budget-conscious meal ideas, or creative ways to reduce food waste, this cookbook has something for you.

But that’s not all—explore more fair food resources on the Food Fairness Illawarra website! Dive into their extensive Fair Food Directory, packed with local suppliers and producers; check out the Fair Food Field Guide for practical tips on eating sustainably; and stay in the loop with their Interactive Fair Food Events Guide.

Click here to download your free copy of Cook and Chill and join a growing community dedicated to building a healthier, fairer food system. Let’s cook, chill, and chat about making food fair for all!

‘Tdjerail’ - Lilly Pilly: A Vibrant Native Superfood with Deep Roots

With the warmer months upon us, the ‘Tdjerail’ or ‘Lilly Pilly’ are flourishing across the Illawarra. As part of Community Industry Group's commitment to Aboriginal language and culture, we feature this jewel of Australian native plants. The edible berries are as versatile as they are vibrant, offering a taste reminiscent of apples and cranberries.

Traditionally, Aboriginal women and children gathered the brightly coloured berries fresh in season, enjoying them straight from the tree or dried for later use. Valued for their medicinal properties, ‘Tdjerail’ berries were used to prevent colds and infections, thanks to their high vitamin C content and antibacterial qualities. The berries are typically in season during late spring and summer and can be found in the Illawarra right now.

‘Tdjerail’ Muffins (makes 12)

Ingredients:

• 1 ⅔ cups self-raising flour

• ⅔ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup butter (melted)

• ¾ cup milk

• ¾ cup Tdjerail (Lilly Pilly)

• Optional: ⅓ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 190°C.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.

   • Create a well in the centre of the dry mixture.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:

   • In a small bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, and milk. Stir well.

4. Combine:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry mixture.

   • Add the berries (and chocolate chips, if using).

   • Stir gently until just moistened—do not overmix.

5. Fill Muffin Cups:

   • Grease muffin cups or line them with paper liners.

   • Fill each cup until ¾ full.

6. Bake:

   • Bake at 190°C for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Thank you to Errolyn Strang from the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation for sharing this recipe and to the the team at dharawalwords.com.au/plants for sharing your local language knowledge.

Discover and Share Local Fun with Play Illawarra's Events Feature!

Looking for ways to engage kids in exciting, free local activities? Play Illawarra’s Events feature is here to make it easy for families, teachers, and community groups to explore and promote events—all at no cost!

With just a few clicks, you can:

• Find free, local events that inspire kids to explore, play, and connect. From family fun days to learning experiences, there’s something for every age group.

• Submit your own school or community events for free, helping local organisations connect with families and foster growth and development outside the classroom.

• Filter events by age—early years, primary, high school, or all ages—to find what suits your needs.

Each event listing comes with detailed information and contact details, so you’ll know exactly what’s on offer.

Whether you're a community group eager to share your next event, seeking a holiday adventure or a teacher planning an excursion, Play Illawarra’s Events feature is the ultimate tool to connect and inspire.

Visit Play Illawarra today to explore local playgrounds, discover upcoming events, and promote your own activities—all for FREE! Let's make playtime count!

Learn Mental Health First Aid with SSPAN

Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention and Awareness INC (SSPAN) invites you to a subsidised Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course on 21st and 22nd January, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Mind the Gap, UOW Shoalhaven Campus. Gain vital skills to support those experiencing mental health challenges.

For more information, contact:
Wendi Hobbs
Health Promotion Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
T: (02) 4424 6325 | E: [email protected]

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!

ITeC Academy is offering FEE FREE training for several courses in 2025. These include:

• Disability Support Kickstart Program (starting 13th February 2025) for ages 16-24, providing hands-on training in the disability sector.

• Certificate III in Individual Support – Disability (starting 11th April 2025).

• Certificate II in Health Support Services (starting 5th March 2025).

• Certificate II in Construction Pathways (starting 3rd February 2025).

• Certificate III in Screen and Media (starting 10th February 2025).

• Certificate II in Hospitality (starting 3rd February 2025).

Enrolments are essential to secure a place in these courses. Additionally, a Free Business Networking meeting will be held on 11th February, providing an opportunity for local businesspeople to connect. For further details or to enrol, visit ITeC Academy’s website.

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