All set to spearhead the New Aged Care Transition Project!

The NSW Government has granted $300,000 in funding to CI Group to spearhead innovative strategies aimed at facilitating faster transitions from the hospital for older individuals who are medically ready for discharge. This collaborative regional initiative focuses on implementing a volunteer coordinator program to aid in the transition of older people out of the hospital.

The challenge of limited local RACF beds, particularly in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, has been significant in recent years. Despite various strategies, around 90 patients on average await residential care placement daily in this region.

Health Minister Ryan Park has endorsed this collaborative project, emphasising its role in funding research to better understand and cater to the needs of older patients with extended hospital stays.

Our CEO Nicky Sloan highlighted the organisation's unique position to address this critical issue through regional collaboration. “The funding will enable CI Group to work with local stakeholders, including aged care providers, health networks, councils, and Dementia Services Australia, to implement three key initiatives supporting the discharge of older individuals into aged care services”.

The initiatives include research led by Professor Kathy Eagar and aged care expert Paul Sadler to identify discharge delay drivers and assess aged care service capabilities. Additionally, the establishment of a discharge support volunteer team named the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS) will aid in the transfer process from hospital to aged care facilities or home. Moreover, a multi-agency regional health and aged care taskforce will be formed to oversee these projects and develop a comprehensive plan to address the demographic needs of the aging population

Committee Report Highlights Urgency Ahead of Federal Budget

Community Industry Group has long been advocating for increases to income support payments and these calls have been echoed by the government-appointed Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee which recently released its report to the government. 

As the first priority recommendation, the Committee is calling on the government to substantially lift JobSeeker and related working-age payments in the upcoming Federal Budget. In addition, the Committee called on the government to index payments to wages as well as prices, lift rent assistance, and overhaul employment services, including by urgently stopping automated payment suspensions. 

Courage Recognised in National Awards

Local Berkeley woman and renowned community advocate, Rebecca Schmidt-Lachlan, has been awarded the prestigious Courage Award at the recent 2024 Stroke Awards. This accolade celebrates the resilience and optimism displayed by survivors and caregivers throughout their stroke recovery journey.

Community Industry Group proudly nominated Rebecca, who embarked on a remarkable reinvention following a life-altering stroke 16 years ago. At the tender age of 26, Rebecca faced the daunting aftermath of a stroke, spending seven months in rehabilitation to relearn essential skills like speaking, walking, swallowing, and writing.

Today, she draws upon her personal odyssey to inspire others, championing advocacy and inclusivity. Rebecca spearheaded a $25 million revitalization project at Unanderra Train Station, tirelessly lobbying for the installation of lifts to ensure universal platform access.

"We're thrilled that Rebecca's efforts have been recognized. It was an honor to nominate her… Not only is she a beacon of inspiration in stroke awareness, but she's also dedicated to enhancing community welfare and fostering better outcomes for individuals with disabilities." Nicky Sloan CEO.

In addition to her relentless pursuit of commuter accessibility, Rebecca serves as a board member at a local Neighbourhood Centre and co-hosts the enlightening program "Ability Matters" on VOX FM. She even initiated her movement, "Altered Abilities," aimed at reshaping perceptions and promoting inclusivity. Rebecca aspires for her award to serve as a beacon of hope for others navigating their recovery journey and hopes it encourages everyone to champion a society that embraces and celebrates each person's unique talents and contributions.

Stronger Together! Neighbourhood Centre Week 13 – 19 May 2024

To celebrate Neighbourhood Centre Week, happening across Australia in the second week of May. This week we take a closer look at what four of our regional centres have been doing!

Neighbourhood Centre Week is a nationwide initiative to celebrate the role of over 1,000 Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres.

Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Service
helping to make a lasting impact.

Over the last 8 months, Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Centre has supported 6 people to pay off $8,150 in state debt recovery fines through the Work and Development Order Scheme. Last financial year they also helped 8 people to pay off $9,136 in debt.

Assisting people in paying off fines can yield substantial long-term benefits for their families, and for their mental health and well-being by reducing financial stress, restoring a sense of control, preventing legal consequences, improving social functioning, and increasing access to essential resources. Here is what ‘Maxine’ from Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Service had to say about her experience with this initiative.

“One community member sought our help with a fine payment through the Work and Development Order (WDO) scheme. Initially, they planned to clear it through volunteer work, but after understanding their needs, we arranged counselling support for their mental health journey. Despite having discontinued counselling years ago, they embraced the idea and continued sessions with a psychologist we referred them to. We also devised a personalized plan for fine repayment. Once the fine was settled, they chose to persist with counseling, acknowledging its positive impact on their life and their family's well-being”

Bellambi Neighborhood Centre helps to ensure no child starts the day hungry.

Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is a beacon of community care, ensuring no child starts their day hungry. By providing nutritious (hot and or cold) breakfasts to kids who might otherwise go without, they pave the way for a brighter future. This vital support means children arrive at school ready to learn, nourished both physically and emotionally. More than just a breakfast program, Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre embodies inclusivity and warmth, offering a safe haven for all to learn, grow, play, and connect. In this welcoming space, people of all backgrounds come together, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for the entire community. Additionally, through these connections, children and families can access other vital social services, ensuring holistic support for all.

New Employees Bringing a Fresh Perspective and Energy to the Team.

This story helps illustrate the value of providing opportunities to individuals who may be struggling to enter the workforce despite possessing relevant qualifications or experience.

Albion Park Rail Community Centre was in need of paid staff to fill two critical roles as Child Youth and Family Support Workers. These positions involved running programs for youngsters aged 8 – 17 at the Community Centres, including brekkie sessions and after-school hangouts. Despite two rounds of advertising, they couldn't find anyone to fill the spots.

Luckily, during a farewell event for a colleague, they met Sheree Bell, who had finished her Youth Work certificate but was struggling to find paid work. Another application came in from Courtney Fisher, a student with plenty of volunteer experience. After interviews, both Sheree and Courtney were impressed and got the gig. It was an opportunity to give newcomers a chance in the field, and they proved to be fantastic team members, bringing fresh energy and ideas. They became role models for the young ones, and the team was incredibly proud of them.

Their approach not only benefited Sheree and Courtney by giving them the opportunity to secure paid employment in their chosen field but also brought fresh perspectives, energy, and ideas to the team. Their successful integration into the workforce highlights the importance of recognising potential beyond traditional markers of experience or employment history.

Blooming Bonds: Growing Joy with the Berkley Neighbourhood Centre Garden Group

The monthly gatherings of the Garden Group at Berkley Neighbourhood Centre are a source of joy and camaraderie for all involved! Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month, these gatherings radiate positivity and enthusiasm as community members come together to share their love for gardening and community spirit.

They enthusiastically organise bus trips and garden tours to various community gardens, warmly welcome guest speakers from neighbouring community gardens, exchange seeds, vegetables, and blooms, thereby enhancing the connection at each gathering.

But it's not just about gardening – it's about building connections and creating a vibrant community. With each meeting, new friendships blossom, and old bonds grow stronger. Whether it's brainstorming ideas for upcoming projects or simply enjoying each other's company, there's a genuine sense of joy in being part of something bigger than oneself.

And as the group comes together to plan their next garden project or workshop, there's a shared sense of excitement and anticipation for what's to come. With their passion for gardening and commitment to making a difference, the members of the Garden Group at Berkley Neighbourhood Centre are spreading happiness one plant at a time!

Further Investment is needed to support services and prevent violence.

Community Industry Group stresses the need for immediate and substantial investment to support services and prevent violence. 

Last week, an urgent Cabinet meeting addressed Australia's ongoing crisis of violence against women, yet outcomes may not fully reflect the gravity of the situation. Funding unveiled at the Commonwealth level entails $925 million earmarked to bolster the Leaving Violence initiative over the next five years. While commendable, it may not meet all expectations. More emphasis on addressing perpetrators and bolstering funding for specialist services and affordable housing is needed. Despite government declarations, actions taken thus far are inadequate, leaving many vulnerable.

Community Industry Group urges corporate entities to play a proactive role in addressing the crisis of male violence and redefining masculinity. The article How male corporate leaders can play a role in ending gender-based violence (womensagenda.com.au) recounts personal experiences to highlight societal expectations regarding gender roles and violence. It emphasizes the significant role that corporations play in shaping societal norms, calling on them to promote diversity, inclusion, and genuine gender equality, recognizing their potential to empower marginalized groups.

Illawarra/Shoalhaven TEI Providers: TEI and FCS Recommissioning Forum - Tuesday, May 14, 2024

We're reaching out to inform you that the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is currently in the initial phases of recommissioning the Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) and Family Connect and Support (FCS) programs. With existing contracts set to expire on June 30, 2025, and new Program Specifications on the horizon, it's an important time for our region.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven District will be hosting a forum on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Kiama Leagues Club.

This gathering aims to provide an opportunity for you to share insights into the needs and priorities of your community, as well as the service system that underpins it. Chrissie Witherdin, Director of Commissioning and Planning at DCJ, along with members of the DCJ TEI team, will be present to engage in discussions. To ensure broad representation, DCJ kindly requests that each organisation sends a maximum of two representatives.

CI Group is calling for TEI providers to send through questions and/or comments that may not have been addressed at the recent TEI information sessions. The hope is these will be addressed at the upcoming forum. Please send questions/comments to Donna Rogers at [email protected] by Friday, May 10 for collation. We look forward to your participation.

Local Maria Di Carlo - Local Women of the Year Honour Roll Recipient!

Maria's journey from disbelief to honour began with a surprising phone call from Minister Paul Scully's secretary, notifying her of her nomination for Wollongong Women of the Year. Initially stunned and even suspicious, she couldn't fathom the possibility that such recognition could be hers. However, as the shock wore off, Maria found herself overwhelmed with gratitude and a profound sense of validation when it was announced that she had made it onto the Honour Roll.

The arrival of Minister Scully, bearing flowers at Berkley Neighborhood Centre and sharing Maria’s story in Parliament, marked a pivotal moment of realisation for her. Suddenly, the contributions to her community and her advocacy during the pandemic were being celebrated on a grand scale. Her dedication to creating a safe and supportive space for the Berkeley community, her tireless efforts to ensure equitable access to resources during challenging times, and her ongoing commitment to serving others were being acknowledged and celebrated, with a permanent gold plaque located at Parliament House.

“I would like to dedicate this award to my family and all the communities, services, and colleagues who worked in the past and in the present. From the moment I was introduced to this industry I knew I was in the right place. It’s an honour to serve the community” Maria Di Carlo - Wollongong.

As Maria stood before the crowd at the Official International Women's Day event at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sydney,
She experienced a “profound sense of pride and personal healing as she reflected on her years of dedicated service in her work and a renewed sense of purpose.” This unexpected honor not only affirmed the impact of her efforts but also served as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of uplifting and supporting one another. Maria's journey from disbelief to acceptance exemplifies the profound impact that one person can have when they dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the service of others.

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

CI Group Applauds Launch of Shoalhaven Multicultural Hub, Addressing Needs of Rapidly Growing Migrant Population

The Shoalhaven Multicultural Hub is sowing seeds of joy, belonging, and opportunity within our diverse community.

It was wonderful to join our members, MCCI, and attend their launch of their much-needed Shoalhaven Multicultural Hub in Nowra on April 30. CI Group congratulates the MCCI team, CEO Chris Lacey, and Shoalhaven Multicultural Group coordinator Jan Frikken on several years of hard work and lobbying to make the Hub a reality. The Shoalhaven is a community in transition with a migrant population in excess of 16,000 people (about 15.5% of the population), up from 3.4% in 2016.

“MCCI have been successfully delivering programs in the Illawarra region for many years, and it is really heartening to see this valuable service extended to the South Coast community,” NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park.

MCCI identified the need to rapidly scale up assistance for those moving to the area. Staff and volunteers at the Hub will help bridge the shortfall in services often experienced by new locals and their families. They will provide hands-on help navigating local support systems like housing, banking, employment, schooling, and help connect people with targeted assistance like language programs and pre-employment training.

This comprehensive support network not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by migrants but also fosters their integration and empowerment within the community, thereby enhancing social cohesion and inclusivity in the Shoalhaven region.

Sharing this new resource from ‘Emerging Minds’ - How to speak with separating parents about their children’s wellbeing

ARTICLE FROM DR NIKOLA BALVIN AND NICOLE PATERSON, AUSTRALIA, SEPTEMBER 2021. “This resource outlines the importance of making children’s wellbeing a central aspect of the conversations practitioners have with parents who are going through separation or divorce.

Professionals including general practitioners (GPs), social workers, and allied health workers are sometimes unsure about how to best support children’s wellbeing when working with parents who are separating or separated. They may not know how to incorporate this into their roles or how to have such conversations in a way that is sensitive and respectful.

This resource aims to address this gap by summarising the latest research and best-practice principles on parenting during separation; sharing personal experiences from parents who have engaged with a range of practitioners during separation; and outlining practice ideas on what practitioners who are not specialised in family dispute resolution or counselling can do when speaking with separating families. It steps practitioners through different conversation scenarios, ranging from making simple inquiries about daily life to discussing more difficult issues like family violence.

The key message is that unless it is likely to cause harm, it is always important to ask parents, respectfully and without judgement, about their children’s wellbeing and make referrals to specialised services as necessary.”

Wollongong Volunteering Expo is On!

The Wollongong Volunteering Expo is our region’s annual showcase of volunteering opportunities, hosted by Wollongong City Council and held during National Volunteers Week. Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in the region are invited to promote their volunteer programs and opportunities at the Expo. It’s also a great opportunity network with other organisations and service providers in our region.   

Wollongong Town Hall. Entry is free to the public. 
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 9.30 am – 2.00 pm. If your organisation is interested in having a stall at the Expo, please complete the registration form available on the website and return it ASAP to Shontelle Jane -[email protected]

Foundations of LGBTQIA+ Training

Hoarding & Squalor Training

No Formal Preparation is Needed!

Community Industry Group in conjunction with LivingWorks Australia will be holding 2 free 4-hour training sessions. One on Wednesday 22 May in Dapto and another on Thursday, May 23 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.

LivingWorks safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training Illawarra - May 22
https://20240522LivingWorksSuicidePrevention.eventbrite.com.au

LivingWorks safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training Shoalhaven - May 23
https://20240523LivingWorksSuicidePrevention.eventbrite.com.au

Grants & Funding Opportunities

The latest round of DOHAC Grant Funding for Growth is now open to Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers. 

The grant opportunity is a targeted growth round with $100 million available in the 2024-25 financial year for providers looking to increase the availability of Domestic Assistance, Home Maintenance, Allied Health, Therapy, and Transport Services. 

The grant opportunity seeks to attract new providers currently delivering other similar services that are focused on supporting the care economy, including those for Aged Care, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Disability Support Scheme. 

Estimated Period of Release: January to June 2024. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Members News

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Member Jobs / Positions Vacant

Food For Thought