Dear *|FNAME|*,

During COVID-19, we have strived to provide the sector and community with relevant and timely information and resources as they emerged. Our efforts are now pivoting to the recovery stage of COVID-19, and while we will continue to update the Community Services COVID-19 Resources page on our website, the content of our newsletters will be broader, returning to our more traditional fomat. WACOSS members can share news and events for free via the online submission form, and non-members for a nominal fee, to reach more than 4,500 subscribers.

Last Friday we sent an email letting you know that the WACOSS Conference has been postponed to early 2021. The community services sector has played such an important role in supporting families, children and communities during COVID-19, and by February 2021 we will all be in a better position to reflect on the crisis, evaluate our new circumstances, and have the most useful conversations about how we best build our new ways forward together.

Finally, our focus over the coming months will be in working closely with the community service sector and State Government. We have been attending ministerial round table discussions, and will be preparing proposals and recommendations for the state's recovery. We have, and will continue to advocate for the integral role the care economy must play in the state recovery process, from both a social and economic perspective, and to make sure that no West Australian is left behind in our economic and social recovery.

Yours sincerely,

Louise Giolitto
Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Update #30

The Lotterywest COVID-19 Fund has provided more than $6 million in funding to over 70 community groups, as part of the targeted Relief Fund. A list of all of the grants provided is available on the Lotterywest website. The Crisis and Emergency Relief Grants are open and currently accepting applications.

As part of the COVID-19 Taskforce efforts, the Department of Communities coordinated a short video to send messages of support to people experiencing domestic and family violence. The video was created with members from the Deaf Community, the Women's Council, Starick Refuge, Zonta House, and Stopping Family Violence. The video sends a strong message to victims of domestic and family violence during and after the social distancing and isolation resulting from COVID-19, that family violence is not ok; everyone has the right to feel safe; support is available; and that you can reach out to find the support you need.

Support is available:

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence (including referrals to women’s refuges).
Phone: (08) 9223 1188 or free call 1800 007 339.

Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides counselling and referrals for male perpetrators, as well as male victims of family and domestic violence.
Phone: (08) 9223 1199 or free call 1800 000 599.

Crisis Care Helpline: information and counselling service for people in crisis needing urgent help.
Phone: (08) 9223 1111 or free call 1800 199 008.

Information about support services is also available on the Department of Communities website.

WA Parliament voted to end imprisonment for unpaid fines

In a huge campaign victory, the FPINE (2019) Bill passed in WA State Parliament last night, ending the imprisonment of people for unpaid fines in WA. Social Reinvestment WA Co-Chair Glenda Kickett said that “Many people jailed for being unable to pay their fines were living in poverty, with women also adversely impacted. Aboriginal people were significantly overrepresented in this group, leading to tragic outcomes.”

In other SRWA news, Stories from the Inside explores the ways that our justice system fails vulnerable people. Hear from young people with lived experience in WA's youth justice system, which touches on themes of family and domestic violence, racism, drug use, and recidivism. Listen on a range of platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Castbox.

Funding and Contracting Services June 2020 Bulletin

In the latest FaCS Bulletin, the WA Government has announced the 2020-2021 Indexation Rate for community services, at just 1.67% - an increase of .2% from the previous year's rate. This increase will apply from 1 July 2020. Read the complete bulletin for further updates on procurement changes and EOI for PPE.

Consultation open for national Certificate III in Safety Patrol

A new qualification in Community Safety Patrol is in consultation stage, and feedback is sought throughout the process. The qualification has the potential to provide employment pathways, however it's important ensure the qualification match the skill and knowledge requirements of organisations that are likely to employ these staff. Anyone wishing to provide feedback and enable a State response is encouraged to contact the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council.

Australian of the Year Awards - nominations now open

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards. Give recognition to the people in our communities who deserve recognition for the achievements and contributions they have made. Categories include Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and Australia's Local Hero.

Mentoring for volunteer-run community groups and NFPs

The City of Joondalup is offering Communities in Focus to support and strengthen community groups and NFP organisations. A range of free programs are on offer from the end of June through to July, to enhance skills of people within clubs, increase and develop the capacity and knowledge of leaders, and to strengthen local networks.

Economic recovery, community services and COVID-19: roles, challenges and opportunities

Shelter WA has brought sector leaders together in an online discussion to explore the economic impacts of COVID-19. The session will review the responsibilities, impacts and opportunities for community organisations, housing providers and homelessness services. We will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on WA’s economy in the short and long term and how housing supply can play a critical role in stimulating our State’s economic and social recovery. The event will be hosted via Zoom, and meeting details will be emailed to attendees prior to the event.

Survey: MARKYT Community Resilience Scorecard

Local governments across Western Australia are collaborating with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Local Government Professionals WA and CATALYSE® to conduct a state-wide study into community resilience. Complete the survey by Friday 3 July 2020.