Hitting the Ground Running

Community Industry Group is back at full steam after the holiday season and is currently preparing submissions to the  Australian Government Productivity Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, and the Department of Health and Aged Care Draft new Aged Care Act consultation. Early childhood education and careEarly childhood education and care.

We encourage our members to contribute to our submissions. Please send through any comments on either enquiry to [email protected], or contact our office on 4256 4333 to speak to one of our Policy & Project Officers.

Growing Inequality in Aus

 OxFam recently released its Inequality Inc Report and revealed the 3 richest people in Australia have made a staggering $1.5m per hour since 2020 and doubled their wealth since the start of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the NSW Dept Communities and Justice Searches for human services in NSW dashboard reveals that people in need are increasingly experiencing food poverty. Food is our most basic need, and in this time of 'cozzie livs', more and more people and families are struggling to afford three meals a day.

Community Industry Group has long been advocating for the cancellation of the Stage 3 Tax Cuts, which will put more money into the pockets of the highest income earners. Cancelling the proposed tax cuts will save the federal government $243bn over the next 10 years  - money which could be better invested in affordable housing, in heath care and in raising the rate of income support.

You can add your voice to campaigns to improve outcomes for people living in poverty like:

• Oxfam's Make Tax Fair

Make Tax Fair | Oxfam Australia

Together we can create a fair and equal future without the inequalities that keep people in poverty. Bill the billionaires. Make them pay their fair share.

www.oxfam.org.au

Equity Project's Raise the Rate - www.equityproject.org.au 

The Equity project is an alliance of organisations who are strongly advocating for and campaigning on issues surrounding poverty and economic justice. 

Everybody's Home

No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable home.

www.everybodyshome.com.au

Meanwhile, people needing food and other relief can be directed to resources such as:

• AskIzzy is a great website that connects people to support in their own area. Ask Izzy: Find the help you need, now and nearby. Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, health and wellbeing services, family violence support, counselling and much more. askizzy.org.au

• Doing it Tough - a directory of welfare and support services developed in partnership by Shoalhaven City Council and Southern Cross Community Housing.

• Low Cost and Free Meal Directory  - collated by Food Fairness Illawarra. Low cost and free meals directory is linking our community with low-cost and free meal options. Our region is fortunate to have many forms of food relief available to support our community – from breakfast programs and low-cost grocery solutions to community kitchens that provide daily meals. Our directory provides an overview of these local services in either a printable or web-based version.

  foodfairnessillawarra.org.au

• Support Directory developed by the Shoalhaven Domestic and Familty Violence Committee

   

Free Training Opportunity Attract - Recognise - Value Workshop

This will be delivered over 2 half-day sessions, Thursday 8th February & 15th February 2024, from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Delivered as a collaboration between the Booroongen Djugun and Community Industry Group Sector Support and Development Teams, this toolkit aims to:

• Assist an organisation or individual in identifying what they are doing well in their cultural competency, where they might improve, and some strategies to get there

• Promote the development of cultural competency in employment practices, policies, and processes to encourage Aboriginal applicants to apply

• Encourage the development of culturally respectful policies and processes to improve retention rates of Aboriginal workers and Aboriginal service users

• Promote strategies to improve links between Aboriginal people and the generalist service sector

Upon completion, participants will have information and strategies to improve:

• Their organisation’s cultural competency

• Employment strategies for Aboriginal people

• The capacity to create a culturally appropriate, respectful and safe environment for Aboriginal people.

As this is a free training opportunity, spaces are limited, so get in quickly and register before they are all gone.

Register here

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 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.

Dapto - Register Here

Nowra - Register Here

Have Your Say:

A path to universal early childhood education and care.

CALL-OUT FOR COMMENT: Early childhood education and care - Public inquiry - Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

Please send comment by February 2, 2024, 5pm.

The Productivity Commission's initial inquiry in March 2023 examined the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, including centre-based day care, preschools, family day care, outside school hours care and in home care. The Commission urged writers to pinpoint concerns and propose solutions considering cost and availability barriers that affect access to ECEC services, and ways to support better outcomes for children and families.

A draft report has now been released with the Commission actively seeking additional details and input.

This released draft report (link above) outlines the Commission's provisional conclusions and suggestions aimed at overcoming obstacles hindering access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, with the goal of enhancing outcomes for both children and families.

Community Industry Group is seeking input from our members to contribute to our submission in response to the draft report. 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.

Please submit your comments or case studies to [email protected] + [email protected]  or feel free to call the office to discuss 4256 4333.

Philanthropy - Future foundations for giving.

CALL-OUT FOR COMMENT: https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/philanthropy/draft

Please send comment by February 2, 2024, 5pm.

The Productivity Commission's initial inquiry in March 2023 analysed the motivations for philanthropic giving in Australia and to identify opportunities to grow it further.

A draft report has now been released with the Commission actively seeking additional details and input.

Community Industry Group is seeking input from our members to contribute to our submission in response to the draft report. 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.

Please submit your comments or case studies to [email protected] + [email protected] or feel free to call the office to discuss on 42564333.

The New Aged Care Act: Exposure Draft now out for comment

CALL-OUT FOR COMMENT: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/consultation

Please send comment by February 9, 2024, 5pm.

The Australian Government has released the Exposure Draft of the Bill for the new Aged Care Act. The new Act will set the foundations of the new system of person-centred aged care, CI Group is seeking input from members to contribute to our submission to the Exposure Draft. 

Your input will enhance the quality and depth of out submission form part of our submission to the process.

Please submit your comments and concerns to [email protected] or feel free to call the office to discuss 4256 4333.

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).

Whats on at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre

Mondays from 29 January - Art for Wellbeing Women’s Group

Creativity in a safe environment can be very good for our mind, body, and soul. Come and learn new creative skills, techniques, and tools to support well-being, self-care, and mental health.

Wednesdays from 31st January - Be You Yoga

A safe, inclusive space for all abilities and skill levels. Practicing Yoga and Meditation is not only fun but also a way of nurturing yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Fridays from 2 February - Social Morning Teas

Come along to our newest social gathering group. Fortnightly morning teas to indulge in delicious food, share, and connect.

1st Wednesday of every month starting 7 February - Illawarra Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group

The Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre allows group members to connect and share their experiences in a safe therapeutic group environment.

Flyer

Calendar

East Nowra Neighbourhood Party

Wednesday 31 January - Parramatta Park, 7 Parramatta Street, East Nowra

Join us for activities for the whole family, including face painting and boomerang classes. Free sausage sizzle, Health and wellbeing information stalls

Flyer

Go4Fun

3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

A free 10-week program for children aged 7-13 and their families

Bomaderry Flyer

Nowra Flyer

Wollongong & Warilla Flyer

TAFE NSW has some updated qualifications open for enrolment, as well as some old favorites!! If you are looking for an opportunity to extend your qualifications or may know of people new to the industry or keen to enter it, then check them out here:

Certificate III Community Services

Certificate IV Community Services

Diploma in Community Services

Certificate IV Alcohol & Other Drugs

Diploma in Youth Work

Community Services South Region Calendar

Have your say to help shape how TAFE NSW responds to your community’s needs.

Every community is different, and TAFE NSW wants to better understand the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

So, for the very first time, TAFE NSW is providing all residents of NSW with the opportunity to have their say about their local TAFE. By better understanding local needs, we can deliver more effective, meaningful services.

 Have your say by 5pm Tuesday 6 February 2024 at  www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tafensw

Flyer

Fee Free Cert IV in WHS Course

Does your current or future role include WHS compliance, implementing risk assessment controls, identifying hazards, and implementing WHS continuous improvement?

Illawarra ITeC is offering a FEE-FREE Cert IV in WHS course starting in early February.   If you are a safety officer, WHS representative, Advisor/officer, WHS Auditor, Human Resource Officer, Manager, Safety Compliance Officer, or WHS Coordinator you will learn to identify and implement ways of promoting innovation within team environments, modeling high WHS standards.  Check out https://lnkd.in/gfVmVQxF or contact Virginia at ITeC on 0418 436 227 for further information.   But be quick, as this course will fill up quickly being fee-free!

ITeC - Cert IV in Work Health and Safety (WHS) (illawarraitec.edu.au)

Circle of Security

Thursdays 10 am to 12.30 pm - 22 & 29 February, 7 & 14 March.

Free for Shellharbour Council Residents is a 4-week accelerated parenting program for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 8 years. The course focuses on how parent/child relationships can be strengthened, by providing strategies for helping caregivers become more attuned and responsive to their children’s emotional needs.

Shellharbour Council Residents Flyer

This 8-week Program focuses on building relationships between parents and children. The idea of a Circle of Security helps parents understand their child’s need for security as well as their child’s need to explore. All families, including those experiencing stressful events, divorce, conflict, mental health issues, disability or adoptive parents will benefit from this Program. There is free limited child minding available with www.familiyservices.org.au.

To register email Karan at [email protected] or phone 0455 892 092.

Albion Park Rail

Register for FCS Common Assessment Tool

We invite you to join Fams in collaboration with DCJ for an insightful Sector Conversation on the FCS Common Assessment Tool and how it can be of benefit to TEI providers.

Explore the capabilities of the tool and discover how your TEI service can leverage its features to more comprehensively assess the families you support. Gain firsthand insights from TEI services that have test-driven the tool and learn about their experiences.

Secure your spot now and be a part of this practical conversation.

Refugee Women’s Yoga Group

Fridays 10 am to 11.30 am - starting 23 February

This is a 6 week course with an Arabic interpreter provided at Illawarra Multicultural Services in Wollongong.

Contact April on 0403 410 607 to book.

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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

Want to know more about Families with Children and Centrelink?

This free online session will outline Centrelink payments targeting families with children, including Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit, Parental Leave Pay, Dad and Partner Pay, Carer Payment, and Child Care Subsidy. ⠀

Speakers will address eligibility requirements, income and assets tests, mutual obligations relating to work, and the way that the number and age of children affects different payments. The session will explain how relationship status (single/partnered) affects payment and will outline Centrelink payments intended to support people trying to escape domestic violence. It will also address how issues related to separation can have a major impact on social security payments, particularly child support and the amount of time a child is in the care of each parent.⠀

We will explain how people needing further support may access a Centrelink Social Worker, and what they can do if a claim is rejected, payment is stopped, or a debt is raised.⠀⠀

Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers⠀

When: Tuesday 6th February 2024, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Where: Online via Zoom, register below. 

Data Exchange System Update - January 2024

System Closing 30 January 2024

Please be aware you have until 30 January 2024 to finalise your data before the system closes for the July to December 2023 reporting period. .

To avoid any last minute complications, please ensure

• All staff who require access to the Data Exchange have access

• Your outlets are current with the correct program activities attached

• You have quality assured your data before uploading

• You use the Data Exchange reports to confirm your data has uploaded correctly.

The Data Exchange helpdesk is receiving a high volume of calls and emails. While they are working hard to respond to all inquiries, there are a number of useful resources available on the Data Exchange website to assist with troubleshooting any issues you are experiencing. Below are links to some of the key documents.

• Add a user

• Bulk File Upload technical specifications

• Bulk XML upload errors and explanations

• Create and manage outlets

• Find and edit a client

• Webinar - Accessing Reference Data

• Web services technical specifications

• Data Exchange Protocols and Program Specific Guidance

 If you have any technical queries relating to the Data Exchange, please contact the Data Exchange Helpdesk between 9.00am and 5.00pm AEDST Monday to Friday, via email or phone 1800 020 283.

Care Positions

• Home Instead CareGivers

• Catholic Care Various Positions

Barnardos are seeking to fill some vacant positions on the Shellharbour Communities for Children Consultative Committee.

The Committee serves an important governance role for the Communities for Children program, providing guidance and recommendations to Barnardos Australia in relation to programs and activities funded through the Department of Social Services Communities for Children initiative. The Committee may also review community requirements based on available evidence in relation to children and community needs in the Shellharbour Local Government Area, by listening to the voices of children, having local knowledge and an understanding of best practice research initiatives.

Members of organisations or groups funded through the Communities for Children initiative are not eligible for membership due to the role the committee plays in reviewing funding applications and making recommendations on funded programs.

 We are seeking individuals who:

• Live or have work-related connections in the Shellharbour area

• Can commit to 4 meetings per annum

• Have an understanding of the issues facing the Shellharbour Community and the disadvantage experienced by some children, young people & their families

• Are able to consult with and report back to any organisation or community that they represent

To express interest, please contact Melissa Andrews, Program Manager  [email protected]

Senior Aboriginal Policy Adviser

Reporting to the Director of Community Services, the Senior Aboriginal Policy Adviser plays a crucial role in fostering Aboriginal cultural awareness and strengthening community ties within our organisation and the community. In this new position as the Senior Cultural Policy Adviser, you will work closely with the Executive and Senior Leadership teams to provide strategic guidance and support in advancing our Reconciliation Action Plan.

This is a term contract of up to 2 years with the possibility of extension and permanency. Salary from $114,351 per annum plus superannuation (salary package will be assessed on skills, experience, and qualifications).

 Applications close at 11:59 pm Monday 22 January 2024.

For more information or to chat further contact Kerry Hunt on 42278250.

 To view the advertisement, information pack, and position description, view positions vacant

Family Support Worker Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Job in Nowra, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Family Support Worker Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Job in Nowra, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Help grandparents who are the primary caregivers to their grandchildren to develop their confidence and parenting skills.

HR Manager Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

HR Manager Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Seeking a vibrant, engaging and dedicated HR Manager to join our diverse organisation at our Head Office in Shellharbour.

Family Support Worker Job in Port Kembla, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Family Support Worker Job in Port Kembla, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Seeking a passionate individual to join our Newpin team as a family support worker.

Diploma Child Care Educator | Barrack Heights Community Preschool 0-5 Job in Barrack Heights, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Diploma Child Care Educator | Barrack Heights Community Preschool 0-5 Job in Barrack Heights, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Right now, we’re looking for an Diploma Educator for our Barrack Heights Community Preschool – an ‘Exceeding NQS’ rated service in Barrack Heights....

Lifestyle Team leader Job in Dalmeny, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Lifestyle Team leader Job in Dalmeny, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Lifestyle Team Leader for IRT aged care center in Eurobodalla region - Dalmeny!

Coordinator Library Operations South - Wollongong City Libraries Job in Warrawong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Coordinator Library Operations South - Wollongong City Libraries Job in Warrawong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Wollongong City Council is a dynamic and forward-thinking local government organization dedicated to serving the vibrant community of Wollongong. W...

Coordinator Community Connection + Learning Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Coordinator Community Connection + Learning Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Are you a strategic and proactive leader who is passionate about delivering world-class library services?

Coordinator Service Quality + Development Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Coordinator Service Quality + Development Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

Are you a strategic and proactive leader who is passionate about delivering world-class library services?

Youth Support Worker - Shoalhaven Therapeutic Homes Job in Nowra, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Youth Support Worker - Shoalhaven Therapeutic Homes Job in Nowra, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

CareSouth are committed to responding to Community, Sector and Participant needs. We are looking for experienced staff to join our team.

Manager TAFE Services Wollongong Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Manager TAFE Services Wollongong Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW

• Collaborative and innovative environment • Be part of campus-based events • Variety of work where no two days are the same

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.