 Sector Headlines
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Child Australia ECLD19 Conference 29-30 March
Western Australia’s largest gathering of professionals supporting education and development of young children is back again. The 2019 Early Childhood Learning and Development (ECLD19) Conference is a two-day event on 29 and 30 March at Crown Perth. Speakers include Dr Lou Cozolino, Neuroscience expert, and Dr Nat Kendall-Taylor, psychological anthropology and communications science, both from the US, as well as Peter Hutton, Director, Future Schools Alliance, and Dr Justin Coulson, Australian relationship expert recognised for his approach to parenting. Lotterywest has provided support for the event, with subsidies available for registration, travel, and accommodation for regional and remote attendees from NFP early learning organisations. For more information contact: [email protected]
WACOSS members are eligible for a $100 discount for a 2-day conference ticket. Use the promo code: ECLDEARLY on checkout.
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National FASD Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028 launched
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a huge public health concern, with recent studies estimating a prevalence of 2-5% of the population in the USA and approximately 4% in Canada. No population-wide prevalence studies have been conducted in Australia, but recent research found the highest worldwide prevalence in a prison setting, with 36% of youth in WA’s Banksia Hill Detention Centre diagnosed with FASD. The Federal Government’s FASD Strategic Action Plan is an important and welcome document, alongside the commitment of $7.2 million to address this disability in Australia, with the three key aims to 1) reduce the prevalence of FASD, 2) Reduce the associated impact of FASD, and 3) Improve the quality of life for people living with FASD.
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Federal Government grants available for NAIDOC week activities
Applications are now open for grants for 2019 NAIDOC week. NAIDOC grants support communities to celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for events during 7-14 July 2019. Applications for funding must be submitted using the online application form, and are open until 2pm (WST) Monday 25 February.
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WA Government to investigate underpayment of employees
The WA Government has announced an inquiry to investigate the underpayment of employees in WA will commence in February. The inquiry will collect evidence to determine if underpayment is occurring and if so, what impact it is having on employees and the wider community. The announcement by the State Government can be found here.
This is a timely reminder for all WA community service organisations to ensure their employment arrangements such as contracts of employment, superannuation, and policies and procedures are compliant with the relevant State and Federal legislation.
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Training Schedule for Tenancy Law FDV Amendments
Tenancy WA in conjunction with the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services WA are providing training on the upcoming Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Bill 2018. This Bill, which will come into law in March-April 2019 (exact commencement date TBC) will provide significant new options to anyone experiencing family violence whilst party to a tenancy agreement. Alongside other changes, it allows tenants to remove themselves, or a perpetrator from a lease with appropriate documentation. Training is being rolled out over coming months.
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Financial counsellors invited to join peer group case-work sessions
Financial Counsellors are invited to join one of 5 case work sessions set up across the metropolitan area. These groups aim to improve client outcomes through shared learning and also seeks to identify systemic issues for advocacy. Case Work Supervision sessions will be held monthly, take between 2-2.5 hours and participants will benefit from having opportunities to be exposed to a variety of cases, interventions, and approaches to problem solving in the group. By actively giving and receiving feedback, the participant’s opportunities for shared learning are expanded. It is envisioned that groups will have between 6-10 participants. Locations are scheduled for Perth South West, Perth South East, Perth North East, Perth Inner, and Perth North West.
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New Poisons Safety Toolkit
Injury Matters’ Know Injury program has developed a toolkit to support Local Governments, community organisations and regional services generate awareness of safe behaviours that support poisoning prevention. Download the toolkit to access a range of activities that you can do to increase local community member awareness of how to prevent poisonings, such as posting on social media, displaying posters in public locations and sending a media release to your local newspaper. You will find everything you need to get started in this toolkit.
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Defibrillators and first aid training subsidised for NFPs
Thanks to Lotterywest, St John Heart Grant is offering 1,000 defibrillator packages - which includes the defibrillator unit, a lock box and necessary first aid training - at a reduced rate of $200 for not-for-profit WA sporting or community groups that are an incorporated association or have a similar accountability structure defined by the WA Department of Commerce. Applications are open until Thursday 28 February.
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Three office suites becoming available in Nedlands for NFP or charities
Three office suites will be available in April, at Oasis Lotteries House (OLH) in Nedlands. OLH is an accessible building (ramps, accessible toilet facilities and a lift), and tenants enjoy the shared facilities including a staff kitchen and two meeting rooms, both with kitchenette. The main meeting room is equipped with white board, laptop and projector. You will share the building with super-friendly NFP tenants. OLH is located in the heart of Hampden Road Nedlands close to the Nedlands' cafe strip for lunches, catering and coffee meetings, services, public transport, UWA, and the QEII hospital.
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Department of Communities Acting Director General announced
Michelle Andrews, Deputy Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, has commenced as Acting Director General of the Department of Communities from 2 February 2019 for three months. Michelle recently headed the secretariat for the recent Service Priority Review. Graham Searle, Director General departed the role on 1 February 2019, and the three month appointment of Michelle will provide for the recruitment process of a Director General. Those in attendance at the WACOSS New Year Sector Breakfast acknowledged Graham's significant contribution to the sector over many years.
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Road to Recovery radio program supporting lived experience
The program, launched in December last year, broadcasts the voices of consumers, carers, practitioners, and policy makers, and supports those with lived experience by promoting a mental wellness movement with the journey of recovery and wellness by sharing lived experience stories of hope and inspiration. Topics include education, treatment, peer work, workforce development, policy changes, advocacy, and many more. It is aligned with the Mindframe guidelines to ensure the safety of participants involved. A podcast is recorded each week or you can listen live on 89.7FM between 12noon and 2:00pm every Friday.
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Nominations now open for WA Volunteer of the Year award
Do you know a volunteer who has made a contribution? Why not nominate an individual or organisation for a 2019 award! The Awards, an initiative of Volunteering WA and part of National Volunteer Week celebrations, are designed to recognise the significant and highly valued contribution that volunteering makes in our communities. There are eight separate categories and nominations are open until 5pm, Sunday 10 March 2019. Volunteers make a difference every day in our communities. Let's celebrate and showcase those who give their time to make our communities better places to live!
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Curtin launches a new two-year Master of Social Work
A new two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying) will commence in mid-2019. The fast track degree is designed for those who already hold a bachelor degree, looking to become a social worker. Flexible study options are available - online, on-campus intensive blocks, and fieldwork - allowing students to juggle work and family responsibilities, and for those living more remote who cannot attend campus regularly. Learn more at an information session, 6:30pm tonight, Wednesday 13 February.
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Grandparent carers sought for Wanslea study
Wanslea are still looking for grandparent carers, to participate in their study to develop a better picture of grandparent mental and physical health, and the services that grandparents would like access to, to help make their carer role easier. Read the latest newsletter on the research project here.
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Productivity Commission Report on Government Services
Last week the Productivity Commission released a report on Government Services, which details information on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of government services in Australia. There are individual reports on the whole sector, including housing and homelessness, out of home care, justice, aged care, and disabilities.
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Locate your office at City West Lotteries House
Three office spaces will become available in early 2019, of around 50, 70, and 200 sqm. Centrally located close to the CBD, bus and train services operate on the doorstep, and is well-connected by conveniently located bike paths. Tenants are NFP organisations in human, social, environmental, and community services sector. Harold Boas Gardens border the property, while Watertown Shopping Centre is just a stone's throw away. Expressions of interest are invited from Not-For-Profit organisations and Local Government. For additional information, please contact the Tricia Slee on 9420 7200 or email [email protected]
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Have your say to transform local government complaints management
Local government reform and the Local Government Act 1995 review has the potential to impact your community organisation. Local governments, like all public-sector organisations, have a responsibility to consider and respond to complaints. Growing public expectations and use of social media make effective complaints management even more important. Should local governments be required to adopt a Customer Service Charter? Should local government decisions be subject to independent review?
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Give It Forward Grants are open to Self Help and Support Groups
ConnectGroups' Give it Forward (GIF) easy grants program is now open to WA Self Help and Support Groups, managed by ConnectGroups and supported by Lotterywest. The objective of the grants is to help Self Help and Support Groups to grow, increase their capacity to support others and remain robust and sustainable. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for your Support Group, within funding categories of capacity building and sustainability, marketing and promotion, information technology, or customised projects.
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Child safety training in Perth
Do you work or volunteer with children and young people? Child Wise, a social enterprise of Save the Children that specialises in building the capacity of organisations to keep children and young people safe in their care, will be running child safety training workshops in Perth in 2019. Child Wise’s training programs are supported by practical, real-life examples of how to implement a best practice approach to child safety based on the National Child Safety Principles. Learn how to implement policies, procedures and practices that strengthen your organisation's capacity to provide a safe and empowering environment for children and young people.
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Vote now in the Impact 25 awards
Vote now in the Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 awards. The awards recognise the most influential people as nominated and voted for by their peers, and are from a range of not-for-profit organisations, corporations, government, social enterprises or may simply be notable individuals. Nominate and vote for up to three individuals who you think deserve to be recognised for their positive impact on the community.
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Affordable office space available in Lotteries House - Rockingham
Space is available in the Rockingham Lotteries House, for 14.9 metre square room on the first floor of the building. Annual rent is $2,385 + GST, as well as an annual Emergency Services Levy of $166 + GST. The tenant is responsible for electricity, phone, and internet. For further information phone Verna Nazzari, House Manager, on 08 9592 3504.
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Dept of Communities consultation to reduce family & domestic violence
The Department of Communities has commenced State-wide consultation to inform development of a strategy to reduce family and domestic violence in the Western Australian community over the next 10 years. People can get involved and have a say through an online survey, by written responses to a consultation paper, sending a message to the Hon. Simone McGurk, and through face-to-face forums and workshops (dates and locations to be confirmed in early 2019). For further information please contact [email protected]
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 Sector Training and Events
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5 MAR | Naked Collaboration Forum - Karratha
WACOSS/Rural Health West/WAPHA/PDC - Karratha - Free
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8 MAR | International Women's Day - High Tea Fundraiser
Women's Council for Family and Domestic Violence Services - Perth - $85
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12 MAR | Protection and Prevention: WA Inaugural Forced Marriage Conference
Women's Council for Family and Domestic Violence Services - Doubleview - $35
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1-2 APR | Non Lethal Strangulation Prevention Training
Red Rose Foundation and Women's Council WA - Crawley - $620
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4-5 APR | Tenancy WA Conference
Tenancy WA - Wembley - $30-$595
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 Job Opportunities
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Suicide Prevention Coordinator - Karratha
Mission Australia - Monday 26 February 2019
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