Dear *|FNAME|*,

Earlier this week we let you know about how we are working in partnership with the Peaks forum, the Department of Communities, and with Lotterywest, to expand the reach of our online community service directory WAConnect. As a sector, it's important that we use the tools that we have so that when an emergency strikes - whether COVID-19 or otherwise - we are able to connect services to people in immediate need, and we can map services by location, and identify service gaps.

I encourage all service providers to follow the steps to register an account with WAConnect, which only takes 15 minutes, and then to complete the data exchange survey - which will be shared across the community and government sectors. 

We were pleased to receive positive feedback from the Pilbara this week. Celeste Stephens is the WACOSS Pilbara Manager, and leads the Pilbara Project which is supported by Lotterywest and the Pilbara Development Commission. In a survey of our stakeholders in the Pilbara, overwhelmingly they felt that the Pilbara's advocacy representation had substantially improved (61.9%) and that communication with stakeholders and information sharing had substantially improved (59%) since having a Manager in the region. This is incredibly positive feedback, and I invite you to explore some of the comments in the infographic that explains more of the feedback. We look forward to continuing to work with our Pilbara colleagues and peers to achieve better outcomes for people in hardship and disadvantage in the region. 

Yours sincerely,

Louise Giolitto
Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Update #36

Later this week we will share some updated information and resources with you, so that we can be prepared for any future changes to the COVID-19 situation in WA.

In the meantime, stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 health matters via the WA Government Coronavirus webpage. Community service organisations can visit the WACOSS Community Services COVID-19 resources page on the website for resources and information relevant to the sector. 

Helping children and young people to make complaints

The Commissioner for Children and Young People WA has been appointed by the National Office for Child Safety within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to develop resources for children and young people explaining their right to speak up when they feel uncomfortable, unsafe or marginalised, and outlining the steps they can take to raise their concerns or make complaints within organisations.

As part of this project, the Commissioner will also develop a guide to help adults to talk about the resources with children and young people in their lives, communities and organisations.

The Commissioner's team would like to hear from children and young people and adults that play a significant role in the lives of children (parents, carers, coaches, teachers, police, youth/community workers, faith leaders, etc.) from across Australia. There are a number of ways to take part – online surveys, a downloadable worksheet, and information on focus groups are all available on the Commissioner’s website.

Federal Budget submissions close Monday 24 August

The deadline for Federal Budget submissions is Monday 24 August. The Australian Council of Social Service submission will draw on advocacy positions outlined in a series of Covid-19 Recovery Briefing papers. If you have a major budget ask not covered that you think ACOSS should consider, contact Deputy CEO Jacqueline Phillips via [email protected].

Need help with your Annual Report? Get 10% off from DropIN

DropIN Solutions is a WACOSS social enterprise focused on providing professional graphic design, web and IT solutions, and marketing services for community service organisations. If you're working on your Annual Report and you would like it to be professionally designed to highlight your work, then this is the right time to contact the DropIN Solutions team. Get 10% discount on all projects related to the design of reports, publications, brochures, flyers and booklets until the end of August. Email Jaime at [email protected] or call 08 6381 5300 and explore the possibilities, while saving money. Check out the team's latest work.  

Community Sector represented at Consumer Protection Awards

Congratulations to Sharryn Jackson for receiving the Rona Okely award for her leadership of Community Legal WA and work contributing to long-term outcomes; and also to Indigo Junction, who received the Richard (Dick) Fletcher Award for providing services to people facing crisis and disadvantage. Both Indigo Junction and Community Legal WA are WACOSS member organisations, and were among a strong group of finalists, which included the Financial Counselling Network, Tenancy WA, and the Wunan Foundation. Read more about the winners and finalists from the awards.

Ngala COVID-19 Family Life Study

Ngala is partnering with the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Doha, Qatar for a world first international study - the COVID-19 Family Life Study - which explores the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on family life across the globe. Ngala will be spearheading the collection of Australian data, and has provided cultural recommendations and advice, to ensure the survey acknowledges Australia’s unique way of life and its response to the pandemic. The study is being conducted in 40 countries across Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, and will collect in-depth information about the challenges faced by parents and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents of children between 0-18 years old are encouraged to take the anonymous 30 minute online survey, which asks questions about family life, overall wellbeing, relationships and coping strategies during COVID-19.