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Community Industry Group Newsletter
Thursday, 14 March 2024
Melissa Forbes
March 14, 2024
Ability Matters on VOX FM!
This week Nicky had the opportunity to appear on the Ability Matters program broadcast on VOX FM to talk about the role of Community Industry Group and our work advocating on behalf of members and communities.
Ability Matters is about abilities, disabilities, and everything in between. Starting out as Headway On Air in 2007, it is one of the longest-running disability-related radio programs in the world. Broadcast from 12 pm to 1 pm each Tuesday, Ability Matters still features 2 of the original hosts, Tony and Alan, and a new host Rebecca.
Each week Ability Matters brings stories of people’s lived experiences, interviews with people who work with people with disabilities, news items and information for people with an interest in disabilities, as well as a fine selection of music.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Finally - The Final Report of the Aged Care Taskforce
The long-awaited final report from the Aged Care Taskforce was released on 11 March 2024.
The Taskforce, which consisted of 16 members with broad expertise across health and aged care, banking and finance, economics, and public policy, included representatives of providers, current and future aged care participants, younger people, and diverse cohorts. It was chaired by the Minister for Aged Care and Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP.
The Taskforce was tasked with providing advice on funding arrangements for aged care to ensure that the aged care system is sustainable, fair, and equitable for all Australians.
The Report is available here and a recording of a webinar featuring members of the Taskforce will be available soon on the Department’s website.
“What’s Next In Aged Care Reforms?”
Forum Highlights Critical Issues and Solutions
On Tuesday 12 of March, the "What's Next in Aged Care Reforms?" The forum, presented by Community Industry Group, Shellharbour City Council, and Wollongong City Council, brought together industry leaders to address pressing challenges in the aged care sector.
Key themes revolved around workforce shortages, technology integration, and advocacy for regulatory changes. Speakers, including sector expert Paul Sadler, emphasized the need for providers to adapt to evolving regulations, particularly in preparation for the Support at Home program.
Discussions also centered on the impact of COVID-19 on volunteer workforce levels and the importance of transitioning to electronic client management systems. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue, sharing insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of regulatory changes. Overall, the Forum served as a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and drive positive change in aged care delivery. Link to the full summary here.
CHSP Grants now open for 2024
This grant opportunity was announced as part of the May 2023 Federal Budget and provides funding to continue the CHSP for a further 12 months from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. This extension will allocate up to $3.143 billion in 2024-25 for existing directly contracted CHSP providers to deliver in-home entry-level aged care services to frail, older people aged 65 years and over (or aged 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). It contributes to Outcome 3 of the Health Portfolio Budget Statements for 2023-24 which is improved well-being for older Australians through targeted support, access to appropriate, high-quality care, and related information services.
Suicide Alertness safeTALK Training - Dapto (22/5) and Nowra (23/5)
Community Industry Group in conjunction with Living Works 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 rhoughts of suicide and connect them with resources that can help then in choosing to live. Participants dont need any formal preparatiuon to attend the training. Continuing Professional Development: SafeTALK and provide continuing professional development points for:
Australian Psychological Society (APS) - 4 hours, accredited, details uploaded by member Australian Counselling Association (ACA) - 4 hours, 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
Australia 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 member
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) - 4 hours, self-identified hours, details uploaded by member
Member News
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).
2024 Illawarra Careers Expo – General Public Session
Get ready, be inspired, and come on down and talk with one of our many industry career experts from TAFE, universities, local businesses, and training organisations who can help you find your career direction!
General Public Session: 7 May 2024 from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Free entry
Location: Illawarra Sports Stadium, Fred Finch Park, Hooka Creek Road, Berkeley
Health & Nutrition for little ones!
Necessity Kids now offers Dietetics and Nutrition Services to 0-18 year olds.
For more information visit our website www.necessitykids.com.au/dietetics
Please direct any enquiries to: [email protected]
 For more details contact The first floor program on 4229 1079 or email [email protected] for details |  For more details contact The first floor program on 4229 1079 or email [email protected] for details |
Self Harm and ‘Safe Talk’ Training at Bellambi
As a valued volunteer and a member of our community, we’d like to offer this opportunity to expand your knowledge and support for people experiencing distress.
SafeTALK is a half-day training program that teaches participants to recognise and engage persons who might be having thoughts of self-harm and to connect them with community resources trained in suicide intervention. SafeTALK stresses safety while challenging taboos that inhibit open talk about suicide.
When: Friday 15 March 2024, 11.00 am - 2.00 pm at Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre. A light Lunch will be provided
Your voice counts! - TEI Program Specifications
Community Industry Group is aware that Illawarra consultations on the proposed TEI Program Specifications will be done through existing network meetings (Illawarra Child & Family Network & Illawarra TEI Catch Up) in April & May.
Community Industry Group has previously attempted to engage with the review process by offering to host a meeting with local TEI providers and Social Ventures to provide input into the review but has been unsuccessful.
We are concerned that some providers could miss out on the established network meetings.
Would our TEI providers like us to request a stand-alone face-to-face TEI Program Specification session for the region? (View/vote in browser)
TEI and FCS Recommissioning Forums
The NSW Government is committed to continuing to invest in early intervention programs that improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, families, and communities.
DCJ is soon to commence recommissioning of the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) and Family Connect and Support (FCS) programs, with new contracts due to commence from 1 July 2025.
As we begin TEI and FCS recommissioning work this year, we are keen to meet with you about the recommissioning principles, the approach, and the timeline, and hear your feedback.
Several online information forums in March will be hosted by TEI peak organisations. There will also be a final online session, hosted by DCJ, if you are unable to attend the sessions hosted by peak organisations.
The information presented at the forums will be the same across each of the forums. I encourage you to attend one of these forums - please register for the one that is most relevant to you as a service provider.
TEI and FCS recommissioning 2025 Forums:
Mon 18 March 2024 for FCS service providers, hosted by DCJ (invites will be sent by DCJ)
Tue 19 March 2024 at 1.00 pm - 2.30 pm for FAMS members who are TEI providers, hosted by FAMS – Register here
Wed 20 March 2024 at 10.00 am - 12.00 pm for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, hosted by AbSec (invites will be sent by AbSec).
Wed 20 March 2024 at 12.00 pm - 1.30 pm for LCSA members who are TEI providers, hosted by LCSA (invites will be sent to members)
Thur 21 March 2024 at 10.00 am - 11.30 am for Youth Action members who are TEI providers, hosted by Youth Action – Register here
Mon 25 March 2024 at 10.00 am - 12.00 pm for any TEI and FCS provider unable to attend the other forums, hosted by DCJ – Register here
About the Justice Reinvestment Grant Program
Justice Reinvestment supports communities in identifying 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.
Sip and Support: A Quirky High Tea Fundraiser!
Join us for the 2024 Women Illawarra Fundraising Event - a Whimsical High Tea on Saturday, 18 May 2024, from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm in the exquisite VUE Room at The Nineteenth, Wollongong Golf Club. Celebrating our 45th Anniversary and the 39th Anniversary of our premises, this event honors our founding sisters and the enduring spirit of the feminist movement in the Illawarra.
Proceeds will support our building fund, aiming to transform the Women's Centre into a trauma-informed, multi-functional facility meeting diverse women's needs in the region. Inspired by the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, expect a joyous occasion filled with smiles, fun, and connection.
Tickets include a glass of champagne, a selection of hot and cold high tea foods, tea, coffee, and light-hearted entertainment. Don't miss the raffle, lucky door prize, and the chance to win "Best Dressed"! Get ready for a memorable event!
Tickets can be purchased at Humanitix here: https://events.humanitix.com/women-illawarra-high-tea-fundraiser
Can't make the date? You can always pay it forward and purchase a ticket for someone else!
Lights, Camera, Harmony! WATANDAR's Shellharbour Movie & Dinner Extravaganza!
Doors open at 5pm for seating allocations. Finger food pastries will be offered with the film screening at 5.30pm sharp (please arrive early to avoid distractions during film). Dinner is served at 6.45pm with an interview by the producers and a chance to chat and enjoy your meal. Tables of up to 6 are available with any number reserved.
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Member Position Vacant
Care Positions
Healthy Cities Illawarra
Community Collaboration Facilitator, Asthma Projects
More information here
Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation (IAC)
Care South
Inasmuch Community
IRT
Illawarra Womens Trauma Recovery Centre
Multicultural Officer Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK
Group Work Coordinator Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK
Creative Expression Coordinator Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK
Massage Therapist Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK
Uniting
Warrigal
Barnardos
Grants & Funding Opportunities
The Connecting Neighbours Grants are now open
We’re looking for ideas that will bring people together, reduce isolation, and help neighbours get to know each other. Individuals and Community Groups are invited to apply. A neighbourhood could include a street, a few houses, a group, or a place where you socialise.
Applications Close at 5 pm, Monday 25 March 2024.
Click here for more information
Grant Finder
Having trouble keeping up to date with grants for your organisation? Get the latest grants available customised to your organisation straight to your inbox!
Click Here to access our grant finder portal and start your search.
Community Industry Group
Thank you!
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Community Industry Group is the peak body for community organisations in southern NSW. We provide a voice, influence, and leadership for not-for-profit community organisations so that they can support vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.
Membership is open to non-profit community-based social or welfare organisations that are based in, or work in the Southern NSW region, and to individuals. Associate membership (non-voting) is open to private non-government organisations and government bodies. Further information about how to become a member is available here.