Highlighting urgency of wage justice for aged care workers.

Access to safe, secure, accessible and appropriate housing has long been one of the major advocacy issues for Community Industry Group. Our members across the whole of the not for profit community sector consistently raise access to affordable housing as one of the major barriers for their clients or participants. CI Group has consistently advocated that 'no grounds' evictions are instrumental in perpetuating housing insecurity, financial disadvantage, and social, emotional and psychological distress for renters, particularly those on low incomes.

The NSW government's announcement that they will abolish 'no grounds' evictions was therefore welcome news, and CI Group congratulates the Minns government on this momentous step which will improve security of tenure for the nearly 1/3 of NSW households who rent.  The Bill is expected to go to parliament next month, and the reforms will take effect from early 2025, impacting tenants on both fixed term and periodic leases.

Under the new laws, the only reasons for evictions (aside from breaches, non-payment of rent, hardship or uninhabitability) include:

• If significant repairs or renovations are required that necessitate vacant possession (includes a restriction on re-listing the property for at least four weeks).

• If there is a change in the use of the property.

• If the owner or their family intends to move into the property.

• If the property is being sold or offered for sale with vacant possession.

The proposed reforms will also extend the notice period for fixed-term agreements: from 30 days to 60 days for leases shorter than six months, and from 60 days to 90 days for agreements longer than six months. 

The NSW Government has also committed funds to develop Australia's first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme which should be implemented in 2025. 

New Resource for aged care providers: MCCI's guide to supporting inclusive workplaces.

Creating culturally inclusive services is more than just good practice; it is a requirement under the Aged Care Quality Standards. Additionally, with the introduction of the person-centred, trauma-informed New Aged Care Act, there is a stronger emphasis on delivering care that respects and responds to the diverse cultural backgrounds of all individuals.

CI Group member Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI) has a comprehensive and compelling resource to help aged care providers meet the strengthened Quality Standards and create a safer, inclusive, and culturally responsive work environment - you can find it here 

The guide not only offers practical strategies to ensure your workplace is free from racism and discrimination but also includes powerful survey responses from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and First Nations workers. These workers have bravely shared their negative experiences in aged care settings, highlighting the urgent need for all employers to do better in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Let’s work together to create aged care workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe.

Calling all not-for-profit CEO’s and executives!

Join our media training workshop led by experienced journalist and media consultant, Nick Hartgennk. Learn exactly what journalists want from you and how to prepare for interviews while staying on message. This session will cover how to handle issues management when delivering ‘bad’ news and provide strategies for effective media engagement. You'll also gain practical skills in writing media releases, alerts, invitations, and more. Equip yourself with the knowledge to confidently manage media interactions and enhance your organization’s public image. Don't miss this chance to strengthen your communication skills and boost your media presence! Click below to book your place.

The 15% wage increase for early childhood educators.

Although there was a push for a 25% increase, the 15% wage increase for early childhood educators is a significant achievement for our members working in the sector. This historic pay rise not only acknowledges the critical role these educators play but also helps retain passionate professionals who are vital to early childhood development.

For not-for-profit early childhood workers in particular, this pay rise signifies more than just a financial boost; it is recognition of their immense contribution. Organisations within the sector often rely on workers who are deeply committed to making a positive difference in children’s lives. However, low wages have historically undermined this dedication, forcing many to leave the sector despite their love for the job. With the wage increase, these organisations can now offer more competitive pay, helping to stabilise staff retention and improve the quality of care and education provided to children.

Moreover, the increased economic security for educators will likely have a ripple effect, strengthening the communities these organisations serve. It will encourage a more stable workforce, allowing children to build lasting relationships with educators, ultimately leading to better developmental outcomes. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing that their children are in capable hands, supported by professionals who are finally receiving the recognition and compensation they deserve.

This milestone paves the way for future advancements and highlights the crucial need to support not-for-profit early childhood workers, whose work shapes the futures of Australia’s youngest citizens.

Attention: RDA Chairs, RDA Deputy Chairs and RDA CEOs, and ALGA, State and Territory colleagues. 

Growing Regions Program - Round 2 – release of program guidelines

On 17 August 2024 the Hon Catherine King PM, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government announced the release of the Growing Regions Program - Round 2 Program Guidelines ahead of the round’s expected opening on 5 September 2024. 

The Australian Government has committed $600 million over three years, commencing in 2023-24 for the program to provide funding for capital works projects that will enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. The Growing Regions Program - Round 2 continues to invest in regional communities following the announcement of 40 projects funded under the first round of the program. The program is an open competitive program with funding awarded on a merit basis. 

Potential applicants can now read the Program Guidelines and review initial eligibility criteria on the program’s web page at Growing Regions Program | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

The Australian Government values the important contributions that RDAs, ALGA and local governments make to the Australian community, and commends their advocacy for their local government areas and support for projects in their regions. Following this announcement, we welcome opportunities to engage with RDAs, ALGA and local governments to discuss the Growing Regions Program and how you can assist eligible applicants to start preparing their applications. 

Kind regards
Growing Regions Team 
[email protected]

Meet one of our STAR volunteers!

With time on their hands, STARS can help identify suitable aged care services, either in the home or in a residential facility, and help to facilitate a seamless transition from the hospital. STARS are a crucial part of the Regional Health and Aged Care Action initiative and will be providing services in all Illawarra and Shoalhaven hospitals, focusing on areas with the most significant needs. Decisions regarding STARS volunteer referrals are always made in consultation with Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District representatives and older patients who are experiencing prolonged hospital stays and their families.

Are you a not-for-profit board, manager or coordinator?

At Community Industry Group, we know first hand how building and motivating effective Boards and Committees of Management is crucial to the success of an organisation. To strengthen your current Board and prepare for leadership transitions, it’s essential to focus on leadership development, strategic planning, and fostering a collaborative culture. Providing leadership training in areas like governance, media relations, and financial literacy helps Board members feel confident and prepared. This enables them to navigate challenges and opportunities with clarity. Click below to book.

Make ethical decisions, evaluate and implement realistic care / case plans.

Gain practical tools and strategies to enhance your decision-making skills and apply critical thinking in your daily practice. Learn how to evaluate and implement realistic care and case plans while maintaining ethical standards. This workshop will empower you to make informed decisions that positively impact both your clients and your organisation. Don’t miss the opportunity to strengthen your professional practice and contribute to better outcomes for those in your care! Click below to secure your place.

For all community and support workers.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of domestic squalor, including the distinctions between hoarding and squalor, and acquire practical tools and insights for addressing these issues in professional practice, with a focus on effective approaches for assessment and support.

A workshop dedicated to the basics of how to write, manage and maintain funding.

Grants, funding, procurement, scholarships and awards are often held up as the holy grail of a successful arts career, but this revenue stream also takes hard work, dedication and patience. After all, there’s no such thing as ‘free money’. Funding Fundamentals is a workshop showcasing the basics of preparation, application, and acquittal for any kind of funding, as well as getting organised for future applications. It’s packed with information and suitable for novices and more experienced funding-seekers alike. There is always more to learn about funding!

Participants will learn all the following, with a focus on arts practice and creative industries:

• The different kinds of funding available, from grants to procurement and more.

• Creating a Funding Folder and Deadline Calendar for regular applications.

• Writing the Application – and avoiding the most common errors.

• Getting the money right, with budgeting and income (including templates).

• The Acquittal Process – and how to recover from setbacks.

• The five main ways to avoid ‘failing’ at funding.

Resources, examples and templates will also be provided for a variety of funding applications.

What do I get? All participants of this workshop also receive:

• Lifetime access to a Dropbox folder jam-packed with additional resources,

• Downloadable templates and project plans to support all kinds of funding applications,

• Access to additional free webinars to supplement the material covered in the workshop,

• The possibility of further one-to-one business advice, mentoring and support from one of our creative industries business specialist advisors. We have a whole team ready to help!

Dates: Tuesday 22 October
Times: 2pm-4pm
Location: The Music Lounge, Corner Of Crown & Kembla Street, Wollongong.
Facilitator: Cat Dibley

Local Business Expo is on!

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore stalls by local businesses across a range of industries including design, photography, education, construction, maintenance, policy, research, arts, crafts and more. You can also buy unique, locally produced gifts, clothing, books and educational resources. If you have a Reconciliation Action Plan and/or are interested to learn more about local Aboriginal businesses, what they can provide and how to buy from them, come along to meet them! Organised by Wollongong City Council.

For more information visit: wollongong.nsw.gov.au/business-expo

Entry Cost: Free for everyone
Dates: Thursday 17 October
Times: 11am-1pm
Location: Wollongong Town Hall

Thank you to our partners: Illawarra Indigenous Business Network, BlueScope, Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Network Event! An insightful gathering where local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses unite with government and non-government stakeholders.

Organised by Wollongong City Council, this event offers a unique platform to exchange information and foster meaningful connections. If you are interested in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement you won't want to miss this great opportunity!

Visit Eventbrite to book your free spot.

Entry Cost: Free for everyone
Dates: Wednesday 16 October
Times: 6pm-8pm
Location: Inside Industry Coniston

Thank you to our partners: Illawarra Indigenous Business Network, BlueScope, Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

TAFE NSW Ulladulla NAIDOC 2024 Art Exhibition!

Please join with us to continue NAIDOC 2024 celebrations at the end of August at the TAFE NSW Ulladulla NAIDOC 2024 Art Exhibition. This art exhibition is curated by one of TAFE NSW's amazing teachers, Glenn Duffield, with art work provided by the students from the TAFE Ulladulla campus Certificate III and Certificate IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts class.

Entry Cost: Free for everyone
Dates: 30 August to 1 September
Times: 10am-2pm daily
Location: Ulladulla Civic Centre Lower Auditorium

Stuart Bellingham
TAFE Services Coordinator
Ulladulla © Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd | Polity Press. 2023.

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