Community Industry Group Newsletter

The NSW Government is undertaking a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme. 
Community Industry Group has many times expressed concerns about the delivery of this Scheme and last week responded to Liquor & Gaming NSW’s call for feedback. Our recommendations included:

• Review the tax levied on registered clubs that operate electronic gambling machines in NSW, including the generous tax discounts available, in relation to the harms that gambling imposes on communities. 

• Completely overhaul the ClubsGRANT Scheme to direct all contributions into a central independently-administered entity.

• This entity should distribute grant funding to communities based on the level of gambling harm and disadvantage.

• Establish independent local committees to assess and allocate grants. These committees should NOT include representatives from local clubs, but should include independent community representatives as well as representatives from services addressing the impacts of gambling harm such as the local health district, community organisations etc. We note that, as some of these organisations are likely to apply for grants, a clear Conflict of Interest policy and procedure must be aligned with the grants assessment process.

• Both large infrastructure and smaller project grants should be available.

Find out more about the review here.

Wollongong City Council – State of the Children Report Wollongong 2023

The second Wollongong State of the Children Report continues the efforts initiated by its predecessor to support local child and family services and community sectors. It aims to provide valuable insights and information to enhance services for children and families in the Wollongong area.

The second Wollongong State of the Children Report continues the efforts initiated by its predecessor to support local child and family services and community sectors. It aims to provide valuable insights and information to enhance services for children and families in the Wollongong area.

The report paints a holistic picture of children's development, encompassing various aspects such as physical and mental health, community engagement, educational attainment, and home life.  As a resource, the report is designed to be a guiding document for the Council, local organisations, and the broader community. By providing a comprehensive overview of the developmental landscape of children in Wollongong, it informs the planning and implementation of programs and services tailored to meet the needs of children and young people effectively.

The report can be viewed/accessed here

AICD Announce that applications for the 2024/25 Not-for-Profit Scholarship Program are now open.

As part of our commitment to the vital not-for-profit sector, the AICD is pleased to be offering 200 scholarships to emerging and current not-for-profit directors to strengthen their governance skills. This program is open to leaders of small not-for-profit organisations (annual income $2 million or less) in all states and territories.

Successful applicants will undertake the highly regarded Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors course between August 2024 and June 2025, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of not-for-profit governance.

Applications will close on Sunday 14 April 2024. If you or someone you know would be suitable for this scholarship, please visit the website of our facilitating partner, the Australian Leadership Hub (formerly Australian Scholarships Foundation) to apply.

Apply for the NFP Scholarship Program

TEI FAMS Sector Conversation

On Tuesday, Fams hosted our Sector Conversation with Anthony Shannon from DCJ, to discuss the recommissioning process for TEI and FC&S. With over 300 attendees and more than 30 questions submitted prior to the event, we knew this was a session the sector was keenly awaiting.

The sector conversation gave us the opportunity to gather critical input from the sector about what the priority challenges and support needs are leading into recommissioning are. This was an essential first step in developing Fams sector support strategy and highlighted some key themes for us to further investigate. With more than 50% attendees sighting the session was useful but they have more questions, we will be hosting a follow up session with Anthony, April 9th at 1-2:30pm. This will provide the chance to have the questions identified during this session answered, as well as opportunity to ask more directly. Click here to register.

We thank the sector for their valuable input and look forward to supporting you through recommissioning and beyond.

Click here to view the recording.

Updates on the Targeted Earlier Intervention
and Family Connect Support Evaluations 

An independent evaluation of the TEI program is currently underway to understand the program’s impact to date and identify opportunities for improvement in the future. The TEI evaluation is being undertaken by Taylor Fry in partnership with Social Ventures Australia and Gamarada Universal Indigenous Resources (a 100% Aboriginal owned organisation) and will include a process, outcomes and economic evaluation. 

The TEI evaluation team are currently finalising three deep dives, occurring at five provider sites across Hunter, Murrumbidgee, and Southwest Sydney districts.  A short list of deep-dives topics and locations was provided by the evaluation team based off insights gained from their early qualitative and quantitative analysis, where significant themes were identified that needed to be explored in more depth. Providers and locations ensure a representative mix of:

• providers offering services under the Community Strengthening stream, and the Wellbeing and Safety streams

• large and small providers

• regional and metro providers

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and providers who offered a large number of services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  

In addition to the deep dives, the TEI evaluators will be refreshing the process evaluation with updated data and will finalise the outcomes and economic components of the evaluation, which will be included in the final report. 

The TEI interim evaluation report is estimated to be ready near the end of April 2024 with the final report expected near the end of October 2024. Both reports will be available on DCJ’s website. Early insights from the evaluation are being embedded into the recommissioning process and will be reflected in the program specification redesign work currently underway.  

FCS Evaluation
The FCS program is being independently evaluated by the Research Centre for Children and Families, in partnership with Curijo (a 100% Aboriginal owned organisation). The evaluation includes a comprehensive process, outcomes and economic evaluation. The evaluation will provide a thorough and in-depth analysis of the FCS program, the findings of which will be used to ensure FCS is delivering the best possible support for families in need. 

The evaluation’s interim report was published in September last year and is available on the DCJ website. More recently, we published the findings of the Aboriginal sector consultation summary. Both reports found that the FCS program is a critical element of the child and family services sector and performing well to meet the needs of families. 

The FCS evaluation team is currently working on their outcomes and economic analysis, which will be included in the final report.  

The final FCS evaluation report is expected to be delivered by mid-2024 and will be published on DCJ’s website. Early insights from the evaluation are being embedded into the recommissioning process and will be reflected in the program specification redesign work currently underway.  

Suicide Alertness safeTALK Training - Dapto (22/5) and Nowra (23/5)

Community Industry Group in conjunction with Living Works Australia will be holding 2 free 4-hour training sessions. One on Wednesday 22 May in Dapto and another on Thursday 23 May 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 that can help them in choosing to live. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training. Continuing Professional Development: SafeTALK and provide continuing professional development points for:

Australian Psychological Society (APS) - 4 hours, accredited, details uploaded by member Australian Counselling Association (ACA) - 4 hours, accredited, details uploaded by a 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

Australia 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 - https://20240522LivingWorksSuicidePrevention.eventbrite.com.au

Nowra - https://20240523LivingWorksSuicidePrevention.eventbrite.com.au

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).

Sip and Support: A Quirky High Tea Fundraiser!

Join us for the 2024 Women Illawarra Fundraising Event - a Whimsical High Tea on Saturday, 18 May 2024, from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm in the exquisite VUE Room at The Nineteenth, Wollongong Golf Club. Celebrating our 45th Anniversary and the 39th Anniversary of our premises, this event honors our founding sisters and the enduring spirit of the feminist movement in the Illawarra.

Proceeds will support our building fund, aiming to transform the Women's Centre into a trauma-informed, multi-functional facility meeting diverse women's needs in the region. Inspired by the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, expect a joyous occasion filled with smiles, fun, and connection.

Tickets include a glass of champagne, a selection of hot and cold high tea foods, tea, coffee, and light-hearted entertainment. Don't miss the raffle, lucky door prize, and the chance to win "Best Dressed"! Get ready for a memorable event!

Tickets can be purchased at Humanitix here: https://events.humanitix.com/women-illawarra-high-tea-fundraiser

Can't make the date? You can always pay it forward and purchase a ticket for someone else!

Care Positions

• Home Instead CareGivers

• Catholic Care Various Positions

Barnardos

An opportunity has become available to join our small, passionate team as a Community Worker at the Bundaleer Community Centre in Warrawong.

This is a Fixed Term Contract until 30^th  June 2025 part time, 10 hours per week (Tuesday and Wednesday).

The position will enhance the work of Barnardos South Coast on the Bundaleer Social Housing Estate in Warrawong. This will be achieved by working in collaboration with a small, passionate team, participating in program delivery and assisting with the co-ordination of programs by partner organisations. The role includes individual and community development work with children and families living on the Bundaleer Social Housing Estate. The position will contribute to the strengthening and capacity building of the community, whilst keeping safety and wellbeing of children and young people central.

How to apply: Review the PDF as attached. Detail your skills, knowledge, and motivation for applying for the role in writing. Send your 1 page EOI along with your CV to Melissa Andrews [email protected]     by COB 6^th  April.

IRT

• Lifestyle Officer - Sarah Claydon Village Job in Milton, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Housing Trust

• Rent Review Officer Job in Coniston, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Bega Valley Shire Council

• Early Childhood Educator (Certificate III) Job in Eden, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

• Nominated Supervisor (Eden Early Learning Centre) Job in Eden, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Shellharbour City Council

• Open Spaces Manager Job in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Warrigal

•  Home Services Carer Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

• Physiotherapy Assistant Job in Coniston, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

• Care Service Employee - Night Shift Job in Coniston, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Noah’s

• Speech Pathologist (SWAY Program) Job in Nowra, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Big Fat Smile

• Diploma Educator | Corrimal Community Preschool 0-5 Job in Corrimal, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

• Second in Charge | Wollongong East Fun Club Job in Wollongong, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

CareWays

• Care Worker - Entry Level Job in Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

 Anglicare

• Aboriginal Mental Health Worker - Shoalhaven Mental Health Services Job in Nowra, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Care South

• Permanency Support Caseworker, Batemans Bay (Maternity leave Cover) Job in Batemans Bay, Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW - SEEK

Healthy Cities

• Community Collaboration Facilitator, Asthma Projects

The NSW Ports 2024 Community Grants Program is open to Australian registered not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and schools that have a clear vision and goal to enhance the communities living nearby our ports and intermodal terminals through projects, programs or initiatives.

Click here for more information about our local operational areas.                      

How to apply
For consideration in the NSW Ports 2024 Community Grants Program, you must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below and submit an Application Form (including all supporting information) by no later than 5pm on Sunday, 28 April 2024.

Please read the Program Guidelines and Terms and Conditions for the full eligibility criteria, prior to beginning your Application Form.

The Connecting Neighbours Grants
are now open

We’re looking for ideas that will bring people together, reduce isolation, and help neighbours get to know each other. Individuals and Community Groups are invited to apply. A neighbourhood could include a street, a few houses, a group, or a place where you socialise.
Applications Close at 5 pm, Monday 25 March 2024.
Click here for more information

The ClubGRANTS Category 1 Funding
Round is now open!

Round details: Closes: 31 May 2024

Apply online: https://www.clubgrants.com.au/find-your-local-grant-round?round=344806

Questions: Contact your local licensed club for more information.

 Grant information:

If you are a service or organisation that provides:

• community welfare or social services

• community development

• community health services or employment assistance activities

You may be eligible for category one (1) funding as part of the ClubGRANTS program.

The Shoalhaven Local Committee has identified the following priority areas for funding support in the Shoalhaven: safe & prepared communities, affordable housing opportunities, vibrant culture & connected communities, sustainable environments, children & families thrive, healthy & active communities, opportunities for lifelong learning, economic opportunities, and accessible transport.

Examples of projects that could be eligible under these priority areas include, but are not limited to: disaster preparedness training, tenancy support programs, multicultural festivals, bush regeneration activities, healthy eating programs, short fee free courses, financial literacy programs and community transport initiatives, to name a few.