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Community Industry Group Newsletter
Thursday 19 September 2024
Therese Petre & Melissa Forbes
September 18, 2024
Warrigal Shines at the Illawarra Business Awards!
Community Industry Group is thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our member, Warrigal for their outstanding success at the recent Illawarra Business Awards! Warrigal were triple winners at the prestigious event, securing the Excellence in Culture, Excellence in Large Business, and the coveted Business of the Year awards. The ceremony, held at the iconic WIN Stadium, was a grand occasion that brought together the region’s top businesses to honour their contributions to the vibrant and diverse Illawarra community.
These awards are recognition not only of Warrigal's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and support to older Australians, but also to providing a safe and supportive workplace for their team. We applaud the entire Warrigal team for their hard work and visionary leadership, and we are proud to see such not-for-profit excellence recognised in our region.
Community Industry Group is privileged to work with and represent our members like Warrigal, who share our commitment to social justice and to showcasing not-for-profit service excellence. Their success is a victory for the entire community sector, as it showcases the positive impact of quality, compassionate, and person-centred service delivery.
We look forward to seeing Warrigal continue to shine, and wish them the very best of luck at the NSW Business Awards. Congratulations to Warrigal on this well-deserved recognition!
Government Announces Historic Aged Care Reforms
The Albanese Government has unveiled a transformative aged care reform package aimed at ensuring the viability and quality of aged care for Australia’s growing elderly population. With a total investment of $5.6 billion, these reforms represent the most significant overhaul of the aged care system in 30 years.
A key component is the Support at Home program, which will come into effect on 1 July 2025. The $4.3 billion initiative will allow 1.4 million older Australians to remain independent in their homes by providing clinical care, assistance with daily tasks, and home modifications. "Support at Home will help around 1.4 million older Australians... with shorter wait times, more levels of support, and funding for home modifications," said Aged Care Minister Anika Wells.
The reform package also includes new laws to protect the rights of older Australians in aged care, providing stronger regulatory powers and civil penalties for breaches. Additionally, the government will cover 100% of clinical care costs, ensuring that no one will contribute more than $130,000 towards their care over a lifetime.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the significance of these reforms, stating, “At the heart of my government is a simple principle: putting the ‘care’ back into aged care... Reforms like this are once-in-a-generation, and my Government is proud to deliver them." Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed this, noting the reforms also strengthen the federal budget. "This is how we improve aged care and strengthen the budget at the same time," he said, calling the initiative a "step change in care."
These comprehensive reforms promise a brighter, more sustainable future for aged care in Australia, benefiting both current and future generations of older Australians.
Does your service meet the new wellness and reablement requirements under the new Aged Care Act?
The new Aged Care Act puts the rights of older people at the centre of our aged care service delivery - and this means all service providers will need to demonstrate how they are prioritising the well-being of older people in their daily practice.
CI Group's free Wellness and Reablement for CHSP and Aged Care Providers: reflective practice workshop, delivered in partnership with South Coast wellness and reablement professionals, will offer practical takeaways aged care workers can implement with clients and provides conversation starters.
It will also help your service identify areas for improvement and help you develop ways to better meet the needs of older people and ensure compliance with the new Aged Care Act. This workshop is face-to-face, however, we are offering a hybrid option if that suits you better.
National Elder Abuse Research Program - the abuse and mistreatment of older LGBTIQA+ people. Online survey of LGBTIQA+ community members
The Australian Government's Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) has commissioned and funded the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to conduct research on the abuse and mistreatment of older individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and/or asexual (LGBTIQA+). AIFS is collaborating with Queerspace, a division of Drummond Street Services, for this project. The survey aims to investigate the abuse and mistreatment of older LGBTIQA+ individuals. It seeks to enhance our understanding of their experiences by exploring the types of abuse they encounter, its impact, and what effective service responses should look like from the LGBTIQA+ perspective.
We welcome our latest STARS!
Right now in the Illawarra, there are over 150 people in hospital, who have been discharged, who are spending the night in Hospital. Most are waiting to transition out of hospital and back to their lives. Can you see yourself supporting them in their transition? Become one of our STARS volunteers, you might just have what it takes. For more information call: (02) 4256 4333 or visit: Community Industry Group, or click the link below.
Improving long-term outcomes for children
The final report into Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) has been released by the Australian Government. Key points from the report include: ECEC is vital for improving long-term outcomes for children, particularly those facing disadvantage, and plays a crucial role in enabling parents, especially mothers, to participate in the labour force. Despite significant expansions resulting in a 50% increase in available ECEC places over the past decade—where nearly half of one-year-olds and 90% of four-year-olds are now enrolled—many children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, still miss out.
To address these gaps, the Australian Government should enhance affordability by raising the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and removing the activity test that ties access to parental employment. Proposed reforms could lead to increased ECEC attendance, particularly among low- and middle-income families, and a projected cost increase of 37% for the CCS. Quality remains a top priority, with plans to reduce the proportion of ECEC services not meeting the National Quality Standard and to address workforce challenges through improved qualifications and conditions. Additionally, the establishment of an ECEC Inclusion Fund is suggested to ensure all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, receive culturally safe and inclusive services. Long-term commitments from all levels of government are necessary to achieve universal access to high-quality ECEC by 2036, with an independent ECEC Commission proposed to oversee progress and guide further investments.
The report is available for download below.
CI Group survey: Federal Parliamentary inquiry into access to drug and alcohol services Terms of Reference – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)
CI Group is compiling a submission for this Inquiry, which is assessing the effectiveness of current drug and alcohol programs and initiatives across all jurisdictions to improve the prevention and reduction of alcohol and other drug-related health, social, and economic harms. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses will be de-identified. We deeply appreciate your input, as it enables us to ensure your voice is heard in this process and that our region-specific concerns are addressed. Please feel free to email any additional feedback to [email protected].
New Health and Fitness Centre Opens, Empowering Illawarra Community
Congratulations to CI Group Member, Community Gateway, on the official opening of Gateway Life Health and Fitness Centre. Located on 65 Kiera Street in Wollongong, this inclusive, community-focused space offers a wide range of health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, and a cutting-edge gym designed specifically for people over 50 and those living with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
In addition to health services, the centre boasts a welcoming café that serves delicious, nutritious food, providing a space for social connection and relaxation.
Community Gateway CEO, Deborah De Santis, expressed her excitement at the opening, noting the centre's potential to significantly improve the physical and mental wellbeing of visitors. “Our vision is to help people maintain their independence and age well – our team of allied health professionals and personal trainers are already seeing remarkable improvements in our clients’ health and wellbeing.”
The Hon. Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health, attended the opening and praised the initiative, highlighting Gateway Life as a valuable resource for the local community. We congratulate Community Gateway on this innovative facility and commend their commitment to improving the lives of people in the Illawarra. This centre not only promotes better health but also fosters social inclusion and connection within the community.
Now released! - Targeted Earlier Intervention Evaluation
An independent evaluation of the TEI program was undertaken by Taylor Fry in partnership with Social Ventures Australia and Gamarada Universal Indigenous Resources. The TEI report reveals progress in reform efforts, including simplified reporting structures, updated contracts, and new performance and data frameworks. Local governance support and enhanced training have also been introduced. According to the report, most providers have responded positively to these changes, particularly regarding contract terms and communication, but have raised concerns about funding adequacy and data reporting challenges.
The report highlights that the TEI program has reached about 40% of its priority groups, such as Aboriginal children and at-risk youth. However, the report highlights some services struggle with the increasing complexity of client needs. While TEI is seen as culturally appropriate, it notes improvements are needed in Aboriginal staffing, co-designed programming, and cultural competency among non-Aboriginal providers. The report suggests clarifying TEI’s role within the broader service system to manage case complexity and funding needs. Streamlining the TEI structure to reduce duplication and simplify contracting is also recommended. The 2025 commissioning process should focus on better funding distribution based on local needs. For further information and to view the document follow the link below.
Calling for focus group attendees
Community Industry Group is seeking input from our members to contribute to our submission. We invite members to share their valuable insights and experiences through the provision of case studies and comments. Your input will significantly enhance the quality and depth of our submission.
Build and motivate your boards and committees!
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.
Applications are open for the NAB Foundation Community Grants program.
Australian communities are being hit harder by natural disasters more often. It takes many hands to get communities back up and running after a disaster and to build resilience for the next one. The NAB Foundation Community Grants program provides funding of up to $25,000 for local projects that help communities withstand and recover from natural disasters.
NAB Foundation Community Grants support community-led projects that relate to the following categories:
Training and planning - Educational workshops, practical and strategic planning that help communities prepare for a natural disaster.
Community Recovery - Programs to enhance community connection, resilience and wellbeing post natural disaster.
Environment and wildlife - Restoration of damaged vegetation and habitat, and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
Equipment and Infrastructure - Tools, equipment and infrastructure improvements that help communities withstand natural disasters or recover in their aftermath.
Read more about our previous grant recipients.
Calling for focus group attendees
Community Industry Group is seeking input from our members to contribute
to our submission. We invite members to share their valuable insights and experiences through the provision of case studies and comments. Your input
will significantly enhance the quality and depth of our submission.
International Day of People with Disability!
International Day of People with a Disability is a United Nations observed day that is celebrated world-wide on 3 December each year. This regional ‘Celebration of Ability calendar’, provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions that people with a disability make to our community. This is your opportunity to join in our Celebration of Ability.
The lineup of activities includes Tie-Dye Workshops, Aqua Aerobics, a "Have a Go" Surf Day, Paddleboarding Lessons, Gingerbread House Decorating, Ten-Pin Bowling, the Shellharbour Summer Fair, Gaming Night, and a Sailing Day. Have fun and enjoy! Calendar of local events
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
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.
Join our media training workshop led by experienced journalist and media consultant, Nick Hartgerink. 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.
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.
Dates: Tuesday 22 October
Times: 2pm-4pm
Location: The Music Lounge, Corner Of Crown & Kembla Street, Wollongong.
Facilitator: Cat Dibley
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.
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.
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 the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Grant Opportunities
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