Suicide Alertness safeTALK Training - Dapto and Nowra

Community Industry Group in conjunction with LivingWorks Australia will be holding 2 free 4-hour training sessions. One on Wednesday 21 February in Dapto and another on 22 February 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.

Continuing Professional Development: SafeTALK and provides continuing professional development points for:

• Australian Psychological Society (APS)- 4 hours, accredited, details uploaded by member.

• Australian Counselling Association (ACA)- 4 points, accredited, details uploaded by member.

• NSW Education Accreditation Authority (NESA)- 4 hours, accredited, details uploaded by LivingWorks to eTAMS once the training is completed. For teachers/early childhood educators.

• Australian Association of Social Work (AASW)- 4 hours, self-identified hours, details uploaded by member.

• Royal Australian College GP's (RACGP)- 4 hours, self-identified hours, details uploaded by the member.

• Australian College of Nursing (ACN)- 4 hours, self-identified hours, details uploaded by member.

Dapto - Register Here

Nowra - Register Here

What's next? New Aged Care Act Reform update and Q&A

Come along and hear from sector experts including Paul Sadler about the changes proposed, and what happens next, and have the chance to ask questions about how the new standards and the new Act will apply to your service.

Places are strictly limited - morning tea provided

Date: Tuesday March 12, 2024

Time: 9:30am-11.30am 

Venue: Shellharbour City Council, 76 Cygnet Rd Shellharbour City, NSW 25

Open to: Commonwealth Home Support Program Providers and Aged Care Service providers.

Registration guarantee fee applies. 

Click here to register

New Ages Care Act consultation extended

Consultation on the draft New Aged Care Act has been extended to Friday 8 March 2024.

The consultation opened on Thursday 14 December. We’ve already heard from people who use aged care services, people who work in aged care, and those with an interest in the sector.

Community Industry Group will be putting in a submission - if you would like to have your views included please email Katelin at [email protected]

You can also read more about the New Aged Care Act consultation here 

Member Update 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).

Singing Group

Who doesn't love a group singalong, a cup of tea, a chat with friends, and the opportunity to connect with others? WollCon music therapists Rowena and Janet are starting a new singing group for 2024, especially for seniors, and people living with dementia and their carers. 

Every Friday (10.00 am – 11.30 am) during school term (tea/coffee & biscuits provided).

REGISTER YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST HERE

Targeted Earlier Intervention TEI Sector Conversation

DCJ is soon to commence recommissioning of the Targeted Earlier Intervention and Family Connect and Support programs.

Join FAMS on the 19th March 1:00-2:30pm for the TEI and Family Connect and Support Recommissioning Sector Conversation with Anthony Shannon, Director of Early Intervention, Volunteering and Youth, DCJ. Anthony will walk us through the recommissioning process with an opportunity for questions from the sector.

Event link: Sector Conversation - TEI and FCS Recommissioning Tickets, Tue 19/03/2024 at 1:00 pm | Eventbrite

The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) dashboard has been updated and is now LIVE! 

The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program data dashboard has recently been refreshed to include the 2022-2023 financial year data. 

The dashboard is publicly available and provides valuable insights at an LGA and district level about the TEI program. It provides the sector access to the annual data and supports planning and the analysis of local needs and outcomes. It is an interactive and easy to use tool presenting Data Exchange (DEX) data reported by TEI service providers. 

The dashboard allows service providers, Commissioning and Planning teams and the broader sector access to data each year about the program to determine the effectiveness of activities and services, and support local service design and delivery. 

The dashboard also contributes to building the evidence and supporting the sector to know more about what works for children, young people, families, and communities in the early intervention and prevention sector. 

Data Exchange Gender Values Changes 

In response to consultations held in 2022, about implementation of the ABS' latest Standards for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, the way gender is reported into the Data Exchange is changing. 

In November 2023 DSS released gender value changes into the Data Exchange 'staging environment' for service providers to test how these changes will impact reporting into the Data Exchange for those organisations who report using a Bulk File Upload method or a System to System Transfer method. 

The main changes will be the retiring of 'Intersex indeterminate' as a value and introducing 'Non-binary' and '[I/They] use a different term'. 

Where a client chooses '[I/They] use a different term', the provider will have the option of entering the client's preferred term into the system to enable communication without the client having to re-identify during each interaction. 

DSS anticipates the gender value change will be implemented into the 'live' Data Exchange reporting environment from 2 March 2024, which they will confirm in a future update. 

To support service providers to start testing the gender value changes in the Data Exchange a staging environment technical specifications document for both Bulk File Upload and Web Services is now available on the Data Exchange website. 

For more information about the gender value changes please go to the Gender Values Fact Sheet now available on the Data Exchange website. 

About the Justice Reinvestment Grant Program

Justice Reinvestment supports communities to identify the reasons why people come in contact with the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and prison, and to develop and deliver a plan that can make real change.

$7.5 million in funding is available from June 2024 until June 2027 to support new communities or those with existing Justice Reinvestment initiatives.

Applications close on 18 March 2024.

Watch this video to find out more.

Join our online information sessions

DCJ will host two, one-hour online information sessions to provide an overview of the grant program and to answer questions:

• 4pm, Wednesday 14 February 2024 (register here or reply to this email)

• 1pm, Monday 26 February 2024 (register here or reply to this email)

How to apply

The NSW Justice Reinvestment Grant Program has two stages.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) – Open Tuesday 23 January 2024 to Monday 18 March 2024

·         The first stage is to make sure your organisation is eligible and to answer questions that will help DCJ design stage 2 assessment criteria to meet the local needs of communities.

·         Applicants must submit an EOI in stage 1 to be eligible to receive funding.

·         You can submit an EOI on the DCJ website.

·         Applications close 18 March 2024.

Stage 2: Full Grant Application – Tuesday 2 April 2024 to Monday 13 May 2024

• If your organisation is eligible, you will be invited to stage 2.

• In stage 2, you will have access to support from Thirriwirri to submit a full proposal and costing.

Priority will be given to three-year proposals from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled organisations (ACCOs) with a focus on locally led initiatives. Other organisations, including not-for-profits and Local Aboriginal Land Councils are also eligible to apply. A full list of eligible organisations is in the grant guidelines.

For more information visit the DCJ website.

The Last Days Program, navigating death and dying

An upcoming event COORDINARE PHN are hosting and encourage you to share amongst your networks .

The event is titled “The Last Days Program, navigating death and dying” and will be facilitated by Hammond Care.

Around 160,000 people die every year in Australia - so how can we help families know what to expect and prepare for what is coming?

The workshop is targeted to carers, family members and friends of loved one who have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness, the program is designed to equip people with practical knowledge and tools to navigate the last days of someone they care for.

Shellharbour Flyer

Ulladulla Flyer

Bega Flyer

2024 NSW Seniors Festival

The NSW Seniors Festival is an annual event that celebrates the role and contributions that older adults make to our local community. The 2024 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 11 – 24 March 2024. The program in Shellharbour will run from Sunday 10 March to Wednesday 3 April. 

Our program offers great opportunities and experiences for:  

·         People to get together with friends or go out and meet new people  

·         Discover new services

·         Try new things and learn new skills 

·         Have fun 

A copy of the program is available on the Council’s website: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/seniors-festival-2024. Hardcopies of the program should be available from Shellharbour Council libraries from 12 February 2024

Please see attached information pertaining to the TAFE Statement in Accidental Counselling. Please note that this course is a virtual course. Below is the schedule of virtual courses between now and 30 June. 

If you would prefer a face-to-face offering and have ~10 to 15 people to train, please contact myself and TAFE NSW can arrange a face-to-face option for delivery at TAFE Ulladulla campus.

Click here for Flyer

Picnic in the Park

FOR 2024 SCHOOL STARTERS AND THEIR FAMILIES!

FREE entertainment and giveaways for all 2024 school starters.

Join in the fun while finding out more about starting school!

Sunday 18 February, 10.00 am-12.00 pm @ MacCabe Park (southern end)

Cnr Church & Ellen Street, Wollongong

Flyer

International Women’s Day Illawarra Luncheon

This year we welcome keynote speaker Dr. Gill Hicks AM MBE to Wollongong. A true inspiration and survivor of the 2005 London bombings, Gill's story is a testament to the strength of choosing life, resisting hatred, and striving for a better humanity. Get ready to be moved and inspired!

Each year, International Women’s Day celebrates a worldwide theme and in 2024 the theme is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. It examines the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls to build their capabilities and strengthen their capacity to learn, earn, and lead.

The annual charity fundraiser is one of the most sought-after events on the Illawarra calendar and helps raise awareness of the need for gender parity around the world.

Date: Friday 8 ^th March 2024
Time: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Venue: WIN Entertainment Centre

Buy Tickets

Karitane Training - Courses for Professionals

The Family Partnership Model (FPM) is an evidence-based and internationally recognised approach to partnership practice that aims to achieve better outcomes for children and families. Further information is on the flyer attached.

This training will be delivered one day per week over 5 weeks: - 21st February - 20th March 2024 at SYFS, Warilla.

Book here: https://karitane.com.au/professional-courses

Flyer

NCYSUR is dedicated to an evidence-based understanding of and responses to youth substance use. We would like to invite you to our symposium on 1^st March 2024 (9.00 am – 5.00 pm Brisbane time; GMT +10). This will be a hybrid event, with no registration fees.

Our research includes supporting individuals and families who are in need of help, working with schools and communities in a prevention framework, and policy and population-level interventions to enhance the health outcomes of youth.

We are excited to showcase and discuss our research at NCYSUR with you. There are speakers from early- to senior-career stages packed into this one-day hybrid event. Presenters will be live online to answer your questions.

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT (ONLINE OR IN PERSON) PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK:

https://uqz.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MAYwJ-LIR3-cF_u69gL2AA

Lean into Conflict Online Workshop

Community Industry Group (CIG), Social Futures, Macarthur Disability Services (MDS), and 3 Bridges have partnered with BTS Spark to deliver the Lean into Conflict Online Workshop 

Outline: Whether you are the CEO, Manager, Team Leader, or Care Worker with a CHSP provider, understanding conflict is an essential skill to have in your toolkit. 

This workshop aims to empower individuals and teams to become comfortable dealing with conflict, providing opportunities to build trust and strengthen relationships.  

Participants will explore various conflict models, share case studies, and apply their learning practically in small groups.  

Feedback from previous participants: "It was great to have an opportunity to practice the new skills in a safe space" & "Reflecting on the different models really helped me understand what I need to do" &"Awesome training and trainer" 

This workshop is aimed at CHSP providers. 

Where: Online

When: 27 February 2024 (online workshop) at 10:00 am- 12:00 pm (EST)

Register here

Care Positions

• Home Instead CareGivers

• Catholic Care Various Positions

Lifestyle Co-ordinator

If you are inspired, enthusiastic and motivated to support seniors and community members to live full, active and independent lives - we want to hear from you.

Click here for more information

Click here to apply

Reconciliation Coordinator

Big Fat Smile is looking for a Reconciliation Coordinator, it is a permanent part-time position based out of the Wollongong office.

As the Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator you will lead Big Fat Smile in the design, development, and implementation of an organisational Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and associated activities.

Can you please send this out through your relevant networks.

https://big-fat-smile-group-ltd.breezy.hr/p/3f637d39120e-reconciliation-coordinator?source=bigfatsmile.com.au&popup=true

New Board Members - Warilla Neighbourhood Centre 

Warilla Neighbourhood Centre is a not-for-profit community-based organisation that has been operating for over 40 years. The Centre has a wide variety of groups and activities running which support the needs of the local community helping to build a sense of connection and belonging.

The Centre is currently seeking new Board Members with a genuine interest in the community and connecting people through social, educational, and recreational activities and events. The Volunteer Board is responsible for the governance of Warilla Neighbourhood Centre, ensuring that our organisation meets all legal and financial requirements and remains accountable to funders, stakeholders, and the Community.

We are particularly interested in applicants with a background and skills in financial management, business, human resources, or community-type experience and qualifications. The Board meets monthly with some activities throughout the month.

If you are interested in this position contact the Co-ordinator on 04910 45202 or email [email protected].

The 2024 NAIDOC Local Grants Opportunity is now open.

Grant applications are now open on GrantConnect and will close at 3pm (AEDT) on Thursday, 22 February.

Rural Mental Health Small Project Grants

Do you have a research project that you think will improve mental health service delivery in rural or regional NSW?

The Peregrine Centre and NSW Health are pleased to offer a total of $400,000 in grants for small projects in 2024-2025. Minimum grant amount is $5,000 and multi-year funding will be considered.

Find out more here

ANROWS Research Grants

We are currently seeking applications for research projects that will inform policy and practice design decisions about prevention, early intervention, and responses to people who use domestic, family, and sexual violence. This grants round is funded by the Commonwealth government.

ANROWS Research Grants: Funding new research to grow the evidence base. As the leading domestic, family, and sexual violence research body in Australia, we fund new research to develop evidence on domestic, family, and sexual violence. Our research grant rounds are drawn from the research priorities in The Australian National Research Agenda (ANRA) to End Violence against Women and Children 2023–2028. These research priorities were established by identifying existing research gaps through evidence reviews, focus groups with victim-survivors, and consultation with other experts such as leading academics and practitioners.

The priorities under the ANRA also align with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032. Together, these two frameworks coordinate a national approach to developing new research and evidence to prevent and better respond to gender-based violence and support victim-survivor healing and recovery.

All ANROWS research grants are funded by the Commonwealth and/or state and territory governments.