Minimum Wage Increase

On Monday 3^rd June, the Fair Work Commission handed down its decision to increase minimum wages by 3.75%, resulting in an annual increase of around $33 per week or $2,600 per annum for workers on the lowest wages. This represents a slight increase above The Annual Consumer Price Increase of 3.6%, and will put money into the pockets of women, who are disproportionately represented among the lowest wage earners.

The Commission has also announced the re-assessment of wages for people working in community services and other sectors traditionally dominated by women.

“While this announcement will certainly be welcomed by workers on the lowest incomes, it is by no means the boost needed to change their lives” CI Group CEO Nicky Sloan said “Across the region, we have seen a rise in the working poor, the working hungry, and increasingly the working homeless”.

Along with the pay rise, CI Group calls for capital investment in social and affordable housing, improved protections for renters, and incentives to improve energy efficiency for low income households.

A Stronger, More Diverse and Independent Community Sector – Consultation Summary Report

In September 2023, the Australian Government Department of Social Services announced an inquiry into a stronger, more diverse and independent community sector. The consultation is aimed at exploring opportunities to better support Australian communities through the design and administration of grants to the sector, including more meaningful working partnerships and options for greater innovation. A summary report of consultation responses has now been released. Read the Summary Report here.

National Carer Survey    

Carers NSW is the peak body for carers in NSW and is part of the National Carer Network and a member of Carers Australia. Every two years Carers NSW together with the State and Territory Carer Organisations conducts the National Carer Survey to better understand what carers want and need. The survey is a great way for carers to provide feedback about what is and isn’t working in their caring role, and in the various service systems they access. This information helps Carers NSW and other organisations to advocate for better support and outcomes for carers. The National Carer Survey opens from 1 June to 31 July 2024. Click here to access the survey (available from 1 June). For more information visit www.nationalcarersurvey.com.au

Do You Have Empathy and Patience When Assisting Older People?

Community Industry Group are currently looking for ‘STARS’ Volunteers, a group of dedicated volunteers with expertise in aged care and a genuine passion for supporting older people so they can access the aged care services they need. Our mission? To ensure older people have seamless transitions from hospital to more suitable living arrangements at home or in a residential aged care service. Click the below link to enquire and Tanya, our Policy and Program Officer for the STARS Volunteer Program will contact you directly with your enquiry.

The Flagstaff Group’s Tradie Training Continues to Deliver for Young Adults With Disabilities

For over five years, The Flagstaff Group with support from local grant funding, has been leading a ‘Tradie Training Program’ for youths with a disability who are seeking to learn more about the construction industry as part of Flagstaff’s School to Work Pathways. Flagstaff facilitator Chris Woods, has enthusiastically taken on the planning and preparations over the past six months and delivered the program to a new group of young adults eager to get sawdust on their hands and learn all they can about being a tradie.

The program caters to small groups and participants are supported by facilitators who offer hands-on guidance and an engaging learning experience tailored to participants’ individual interests. The program is delivered at Flagstaff’s Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Macarthur sites. Participants learn safe work practices, how to work with raw materials, project design through to completion, skill development and confidence working with others. Over the years a wide range of projects have been proudly created by participants including coffee and side tables, stools and candle holders using recycled materials.

Chris has taken pride in guiding participants to learn how to use tools safely and properly. His biggest challenge was delivering a program that caters to different needs and capabilities. "Our participants love it, they absolutely love it. They show up every Thursday and give it 100%." Chris Woods

When visiting the project, Community Industry Group witnessed participants happily and enthusiastically engaging in their building project. With an old shipping container repurposed as their tool shed, this project also has a sustainability edge, as they recycle timber palettes to construct a deck that will eventually serve as the working deck around their tool shed.

Seeing not-for-profit organisations like Flagstaff Group listen and respond to their community, think outside the box, and do the hard work needed to get creative projects like this up and running is heartwarming, to say the least. It's a tangible example of the incredible work that Flagstaff Group continues to do in helping its members gain real-world experience and knowledge, thereby improving the lives of its members, their families, and our workforce as a whole.

Find Out More

Keep the Fire Burning! With some new Ethical Threads? ‘Coomie’s’ NAIDOC clothing range is now live!

Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024 with some new ethical threads from the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation.

Seen above, and printed on an AS colour T-shirt base, the new range, named "Keep the Fire Burning - Blak, Loud & Proud." highlights the strength, resilience, and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This fantastic new T, along with the rest of the clothing range for 2024, is now available for pre-sale online, with orders set to arrive on the 1st of July, 2024. This venture provides an excellent opportunity to show support and appreciation for Indigenous culture and heritage, whilst showcasing its artists also! Profits from your purchases contribute to the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation and supports the vital work that they do for the community.

To place a pre-sale order, visit the official NAIDOC Week merchandise website or authorized retailers participating in the event. Be sure to order early to ensure your apparel arrives in time for NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The Vulnerable Communities Emergency Preparedness Workshop Bega

Last week, Donna Rogers our Project & Policy Officers attended and participated in The Vulnerable Communities Emergency Preparedness Workshop held at The Bega Civic Centre.

“We achieved remarkable success, marking a pivotal milestone in the region’s collective efforts toward disaster resilience and preparedness. Gathering a diverse range of stakeholders from Eurobodalla and the far South Coast; representatives from NGOs, government organisations, emergency management bodies, and community advocacy groups came together to exchange insights, experiences, and strategies for enhancing preparedness among vulnerable populations.” Donna Rogers - Project & Policy Officer.

The workshop facilitated meaningful connections and productive idea exchanges, laying the foundation for robust partnerships and collective action. Throughout the interactive sessions, participants shed light on the critical roles played by various organisations in safeguarding vulnerable community members during disasters. Participants carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing disaster preparedness within their scopes of influence. By the event's conclusion, next steps had been outlined, ensuring that the momentum generated would translate into tangible outcomes for vulnerable communities. The workshop not only emphasised the importance of collaboration but also showcased the transformative potential integral in unified action.

Community Industry Group attend events such as this to enhance our effectiveness and contribute meaningfully to collective disaster resilience initiatives. Participation in this particular forum underscores our commitment to community well-being and support.

“Engaging with community members builds trust and highlights the importance of safeguarding these groups during disasters…. defined next steps ensure that discussions lead to actionable outcomes, helping maintain momentum and driving continuous improvement in preparedness efforts” Donna Rogers - Project & Policy Officer.

Your  Marketing Toolbox Workshop

Cost: CHSP & CI Group Members: $50, Other Sector Services / Non-members $120. When: The 3 x two-hour Workshops will be run over 3 Tuesdays - Tuesday 25 June, Tuesday 2 July, Tuesday 9 July 2024. Time: 10am - 12 noon. Access to zoom required.

12th Annual Illawarra Dementia Public Forum 25 September 2024

Venue: Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow (Wollongong) Time: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm. Speakers include Mr. Nick Morgan, Australian Government Dept. of Health and Aged Care, Prof. Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia (TBC), Marie Alford, Dementia Support Australia, carers of people living with dementia and people with dementia, allied health professionals and others associated with dementia- friendly communities and dementia research.

From 25 June: Free registrations open (details will be published before this date). Reservations for display tables are open. Major sponsors: Dementia Australia, Australian Government Dept. of Health, Dementia Support Australia, University of Wollongong

Foundations of LGBTQIA+ Online Training

1,000 Community Workers Across NSW to Receive Free Professional Coercive Control Training

CCWT wins tender to rollout DCJ-funded Coercive Control Training.
The Centre of Community Welfare Training (CCWT) have been successful in winning the tender to rollout Coercive Control Training, funded by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), to help address the concerning number of women experiencing abuse in their intimate relationships.

The free training program has been designed to up-skill the state’s 1,000+ specialised domestic and family violence (DFV) workers, after NSW became the first state to introduce the landmark Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022. From July 2024, perpetrators of coercive control in intimate partner relationships may be charged with the offence and face imprisonment for up to 7 years.

Five of the state’s leading DFV experts and trainers, have joined forces to pass on their knowledge in a comprehensive one-day workshop covering modules such as behavioural indicators, practical interventions, and how coercive control may be experienced for different people in different communities.

“Tackling the horrendous level of domestic violence being experienced by women needs to be a priority. We need workers on the frontline to become confident in working within the new legislation about coercive control, so they can in turn support and educate women and the broader communities who engage with their services.” Debbie Cornale, Director of CCWT.

Draft TEI Program Specifications Released

The draft TEI Program Specifications, have been updated to incorporate insights from evaluations of the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) and Family Connect and Support (FCS) programs, along with findings from commissioned evidence reviews and program implementation experiences.

These specifications outline the desired outcomes, target audiences, activities, and requirements for providers delivering TEI services. Key changes include merging the TEI and FCS programs into a single early intervention program (with a new name to be decided), simplifying reporting procedures, incorporating evidence-based practices, emphasizing flexibility, ensuring cultural safety, and defining system-wide outcomes and program criteria.

The updated specifications will become effective from July 1, 2025. Until then, providers should adhere to the existing specifications. Stakeholders can provide written feedback until August 16, 2024, either through an online submission form or via email to [email protected].

Seeking Community Members and Expressions of Interest - For the Customer & Community Reference Group at Sydney Water

Sydney Water are seeking expressions of interest for two community members to be part of their independently chaired Customer and Community Reference Group (CCRG). 

See our Expression of Interest (204 KB) on how to apply and Role Description (216 KB) for more details.

Take Control of Workplace Learning Emerging Minds Free Tool!

Coordinating professional development can be complicated and time-consuming, but the Emerging Minds Learning Workplace Dashboard is here to help.

With this free tool, you can create tailored collections of our online courses (‘learning pathways’) and assign them to your staff to complete. You can track each staff member’s progress and generate reports at both an individual and organisational level.

The Workplace Dashboard makes it easy to strengthen your workforce’s knowledge, skills and capacity, and demonstrate your commitment to supporting the wellbeing of infants, children and families. Sign up here

Free Mentoring for Aged Care Providers

Aged care providers will be able to work closely with staff at MCCI, Fortis Consulting and the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing to make the aged care system more inclusive. 

The Diversity Mentoring Program (DMP) consists of four one-on-one sessions over six months. Organisations will be supported to meet the  Aged Care Quality Standards through the Inclusive Service Standards tool which has been developed by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing. 

"We encourage middle managers or senior leadership from aged care organisations who can action new strategies to take advantage of the mentoring. It's an opportunity to receive advice and get an overview of resources available to develop more inclusive services delivery, ultimately leading to improved quality of care for CALD seniors, and ensuring compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards," said Strategic Partnerships Manager NSW & ACT Selen Akinci.
 
The mentoring program is for government funded or subsidised aged care providers in the ACT, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia. It is delivered by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing in partnership with Fortis Consulting and MCCI. Applications close 10 June at 5pm.

Read more about the program here.  

Food For Thought

Grant Opportunities

Youth Opportunities Program 2024/25 - Round 13 is OPEN! Closes 15 July

Status: Open
Grant amount: From $10,000 to $50,000
Application opened: 3 June 2024
Application closes: 15 July 2024, 5:00 pm 

The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants for new projects that enable marginalised young people to lead and participate in their communities. The purpose of Program is to increase marginalised young people’s participation in activities that strengthen their connection and belonging to their communities.

The Program supports organisations to empower marginalised young people to design and deliver community projects, enabling them to:

• Overcome barriers to participating in the community.

• Build community based partnerships and networks.

• Feel a greater sense of belonging within their community.

• Feel empowered, as their ideas and opinions are respected, considered and acted upon.

• Gain relevant training to support their participation.

• Feel more confident within themselves and their abilities, having expanded their knowledge and skills.

• Be recognised for their efforts as volunteers having given their time to design and deliver community projects.

• Seek further opportunities to participate and stay engaged in their community.

The Youth Opportunities program requires applicant organisations to have spoken with young people and involved them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting a grant application.

Organisations must also involve young people at every stage of the project – from identifying the need and developing the project proposal through to design, project delivery and final review. This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice. For more information visit: Link Youth Opportunities Program Page

Sydney Water - Annual Grants for Local Community Projects

Sydney Water, through its annual Community Grants Program, supports local community groups across Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra area.

With a shared goal to build thriving and sustainable communities, the Community Grants Program supports project teams with innovative ideas to put projects into action that benefit local communities.

Applications are sought from grassroots community groups, volunteer organisations, education institutions, local government with community partners, sporting groups, and other community-minded organisations that share Sydney Water’s vision of creating a better life for today and generations to come.

The 2024 grant applications are now open.  This year we are looking for projects "Driving a Sustainable Water Future” with the focus areas of water education, healthy waterways and/or water conservation.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ People Living in Regional and Rural Areas of Australia

The Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) is proud to announce their second grant round for 2024, with a total funding pool of $10,000 with a focus on supporting sexuality, sex and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) people living in regional and rural areas of Australia.

Grant applications should be to the value of up to $10,000 for up to two years (if applicable). Before you apply, read the guidelines below or download here.

Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) is a national philanthropic foundation specifically focused on funding lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other (LGBTQIA+) community issues in Australia. The Foundation advocates for systemic change to advance LGBTQIA+ equity and inclusion and provide direct support to affected communities / individuals.

Pride Foundation Australia raises awareness of LGBTQIA+ disadvantage and works to increase philanthropic support for the Australian LGBTQIA+ and allied communities through fundraising, grant giving, collaboration and commissioning projects. The Foundation’s specific LGBTQIA+ priority areas to date have been: healthy ageing, homelessness and disability, asylum seekers and refugees living in Australia, and alcohol and drug issues, as well as visual, literacy and performing arts.

Members News

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Guidelines: If you are a member and want to add something to our Newsletter email your flyer to [email protected].

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