Community Industry Group Newsletter

Thursday, 12 October 2023

Latest News

Notice of Community Industry Group Annual General Meeting

All members are advised that an annual general meeting of the members of Community Industry Group will take place on Thursday 23 November 2023, 10:00am - 12:30pm at Inside Industry, Springhill Road, Coniston NSW.

NSW Home Fire Safety Visits

Community Industry Group were proud to join representatives from Catholic Care and Home Instead for the launch of the NSW Fire and Rescue Home Fire Safety Visits partnership program at Corrimal Fire Station last week.

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park, NSW Fire and Rescue Assistant Commissioner Paul McGuigan and Captain Paul Dorin, Station Commander joined local service providers to launch the program, which was the brainchild of Captain Dorin.

Captain Dorin, who has previously been a full-time caring for his mother, worked with NSW Fire and Rescue to create a QR code that allows home care workers and carers to easily notify their local fire service if the smoke alarms are no longer working in one of their clients’ homes.

CIG have been working with our members and aged care service providers across the region to raise awareness and encourage service providers to get involved in this free program. If you’d like more information, you can contact [email protected]

Pictured: Representatives from Catholic Care, Home Instead, Station Commander from Corrimal Fire Station, NSW Minister for Health and Rescue Assistant Commissioner and two Community Industry Group Project/Policy officers.

Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service NAIDOC Event

Our Project/Policy Officer Donna had a great time at the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service NAIDOC event at the Dapto showgrounds last week.

It was an event to celebrate and embrace Aboriginal culture, elders and community. There was entertainment, food, rides and fantastic stalls.

Pictured: representatives from Women Illawarra, Community Industry Group and Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre.

Workforce Wellness Forum

More than 50 people attended the launch of the HR Community Practice and our joint CI Group/ACCPA Workforce Wellness Forum, delivered by Sue Jauncey of Appellon on her report into improving the wellbeing and job satisfaction of workers in the care sector.

Participants spent the morning thinking about how they could apply the principles from the research Sue presented to their own organisations and had the opportunity to share their experiences with colleagues from other sectors

Rebecca Coombes from Disability Trust then presented on the similarities of workforce challenges facing organisations across sectors, and invited anyone in our member organisations responsible for managing or hiring staff to reach out and join the new community of practice by contacting [email protected]

Training and Events

Suicide Alertness safeTALK Training - Nowra

There are still spots left in our FREE safeTALK Training at Nowra, so register now!

This is a great opportunity for new service providers, volunteers or a refresher.

Community Industry Group in conjunction with LivingWorks Australia will be holding a free 4-hour training session at Nowra. On 9 November from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

SafeTALK is a half-day training session to help participants recognise a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources who 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 member.

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

Become an Incredible Board Chair

No board can function without a competent board chair!

If you are about to become a board chair, or new to the role, or even someone who has been a board chair for a long time but would like a refresher, then this training is for you.

Register through Eventbrite: Become an Incredible Board Chair Training

Fabulous Finance

Managing finances is key to any board members skillset.

This session will provide board members with the skills to read financial reports, assist with budgeting, and ensure key risk and fraud prevention policies are in place.

Board Training for CHSP Provider Board Members and Senior Executives

The Sector Support and Development Teams from MDS, Orange City Council, Ethnic Communities Council of NSW and Community Industry Group are excited to offer Board Training for CHSP provider board members and senior executives.

This 2-hour webinar (incl. Q & A), is designed to provide Board Members, Management Committees, and Members of Governing Bodies with a summary of everything they need to know about the Aged Care Reform, empowering them with the latest information and knowledge.

It will provide a concise picture of the Royal Commission, and the Aged Care Reform and unpack the following:

  • Details of the Future State-Aged Care Programs

  • Details of Funding Mechanisms

  • Priorities and Timeframes

  • Key Risks and Opportunities for Providers

  • Stakeholders and Agencies involved in the Reform

  • Government Supports and Initiatives

  • Key Governance and Operational Considerations

Date and Time: Tuesday October 31, 4pm-6pm

Location: Online

Registration: Click Here To Register

This workshop is funded by The Department of Health and Aged Care. Registration for this event is free for CHSP Service Providers

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).

 The Nitty Gritty - Face to Face

Specialised reproductive and sexual health training for youth workers.

Do you work in a role supporting young people? Would you like to enhance your skills to improve youth sexual health outcomes?

The Nitty Gritty will develop your knowledge of reproductive and sexual health to support young clients. This course is for anyone working with young people.

This course is funded by NSW Health and there is no cost for participants living or working in NSW.

Enquiries: email [email protected] or call 1300 372 372

See the flyer for more information here: The Nitty Gritty

Register Here: Nitty Gritty Register

Anti Poverty Week: 15 - 27 October 2023

To contribute to this year's Anti-Poverty Week theme of ending child poverty, the Centre for Community Child Health and the Victorian Council of Social Services are partnering on a webinar.

This webinar will explore prevention and early intervention strategies to reduce the impacts of financial hardship and poverty on children and families.

Register Here: Webinar Registration

Find out more about Anti Poverty Week here: https://antipovertyweek.org.au/

Become a Mental Health First Aider

Many older Australians experience mental health problems. Older Person Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) training will teach you practical skills to support an older person with a mental health problem. Make a real difference to the older people in your community.

With facilitator Annette Tesoriero (master principle trainer) on 2 & 3 Nov, 10am - 4pm both days at Nowra. Cost $100 - $250, contact training for more information - [email protected]

See flyer here for more information: Become a Mental Health First Aider

Family Group Conferencing Evaluation

The Department of Communities and Justice Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research (FACSIAR) Invites you to their Lunch and Learn webinar:

Findings and recommendations from the Family Group Conferencing evaluation 

Tuesday 17 October 2023, 12.00pm – 1.00pm, Online via MS Teams.

An evaluation of Family Group Conferencing was undertaken by the research team at the Research Centre for Children and Families (RCCF) at the University of Sydney. In this FACSIAR Lunch and Learn, researchers from the RCCF will share findings from this evaluation and Stephen Bray, A/Director, Family Preservation and Child Protection team at DCJ will share what these findings mean for program, policy and practice.

The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Annual Dinner

The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is very excited to announce Gina Chick, winner of Alone Australia as special guest at their Annual Dinner this year to be held at the University of Wollongong.

The dinner is always a fun night of celebration and there is so much to celebrate this year! If anyone would like more information, you are welcome to contact Chairwomen Jess Koot on [email protected] or 0423 825 552.

If you would like to provide a donation whether that be a voucher or other item/s towards prizes for the night, please reach out to Jess.

Member Position Vacant

Psychological Declutter Coaches, Recovery Coaches and Volunteers Needed

Inside Out Recovery

Care Positions

New Board Members - Warilla Neighbourhood Centre

Warilla Neighbourhood Centre is a not for profit community based organisation which 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 activity through the month.

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

Team Leader - Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services at Nowra

30 hours per week, Monday - Thursday from 8am - 4pm (negotiable)

A vacancy has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic professional to join our team as a Team Leader. The successful candidate will work under general direction from the Manager to coordinate, administer and lead a team to deliver high quality, professional and individualised services to people over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 50 or people with an approved NDIS plan to enable them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

More information: SNS Position Vacant

Grants & Funding Opportunities

Small Grant Funding Opportunity

Applications will be open from 16 October 2023 – 27 November 2023 and successful applicants will receive their funding in January 2024.

The Shoalhaven Anti-Poverty Committee (SAPC) are excited to announce the launch of the Connecting Communities Fund which has been established to provide up to 2 small financial subsidies of up to $1,000.00 (GST exclusive) each to eligible organisations and groups such as incorporated associations, community groups who are auspiced by a not-for-profit organisation, Local Aboriginal Land Councils or School P & C Associations.

The fund is for project activities which will provide opportunities for individuals, families and communities to participate in new community projects to support them to be connected and to belong.

A drop in information session on ‘How to apply’ will be held on Tuesday 17 October from 1pm - 1.45pm at East Nowra Neighbourhood Centre- 2/80 Park Rd, East Nowra.

The launch of the fund coincides with this year’s Anti-Poverty week from 15 - 21 October 2023, which is a week to support the community to have an increased understanding of poverty and to work towards ending poverty. For further information about Anti-Poverty Week visit www.antipovertyweek.org.au.

See the guidelines here: Connecting Communities Fund Guidelines

If you have any questions or want to discuss your idea further you can contact the key contact person, Emma Woodon 4422 9529

New Grant Opportunity Coming Soon! 2023-24 Volunteer Grants

Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering.

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants Opportunity is expected to open for applications in the second half of 2023.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will be available to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers.

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines are on GrantConnect with other supporting documentation to be published when the opportunity is open for application.

To receive the latest information for this upcoming grant opportunity, please subscribe to the Community Grants Hub or GrantConnect.

Find out more here: grant opportunity

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.