Dear *|FNAME|*,

Last week was Anti-Poverty Week, and to coincide with the week the 100 Families WA project shared their latest Speaking from Experience video on Poverty and Finances. Renna and Keira, who are both part of the project's Community Advisory Group, speak from their heart with honesty and candidness about their experiences. I highly recommend giving their video a watch, listening to their stories, and sharing them with your friends and colleagues.

As part of World Food Day on Friday we shared a video about the development of the Food Relief Framework, filmed in Perth and Broome in late 2019, we hear from the voices of lived experience - what it means to be food insecure and how we can collaboratively carve out a future where everyone has access to healthy, nutritious and appropriate food.

And finally, I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual General Meeting, this Friday 23 October at the North Perth Town Hall. At the meeting the results of the Board Election will be announced, we will hear from special guest Professor David Gilchrist who will present the latest Landscape Report 2020 for NFPs in WA, and I will present our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan - our bold vision to challenge belief structures and cultural norms, and build community empathy, in order to drive change and overcome entrenched poverty, inequity and exclusion. 

Yours sincerely,

Louise Giolitto
Chief Executive Officer

COVID-19 Update #41

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. 

The Australian Government has announced strengthened digital and telehealth support services for mental health during COVID-19. These have been added to our Community Services COVID-19 resources page and can be found on the Australian Government website.

ERO win in the Federal Budget, but more work to be done

The Federal Budget handed down on Tuesday 6 October included a commitment to providing an additional $132.6 million over a three-year period, commencing in July 2021, for a range of programs. This is to replace ERO/SACS wage supplementation. The Department of Social Services has produced a fact sheet on the funding and the eligible programs.

Portfolio Budget Statements 2020-21 Budget Related Paper No. 1.12 stated (page 20) that “All DSS grants for frontline social services impacted by the cessation of the Social and Community Services Pay Equity Special Account will have their funding rebased from 1 July 2021 to ensure wage costs continue to be met.” We will be reviewing the term 'rebased' to understand if it means the ERO supplementation will be included in baseline funding moving forward.

Further, $87.3 million was allocated over three years from July 2021 to maintain funding for family law services funded under the Family and Relationship Services program, following the cessation of the SACS wage supplementation funding.

While these announcements seem positive in terms of funding continuity and sustainability of services, it will be important to see the levels of payments to be made, and exactly which contracts are funded. It appears that there was no extension of ERO funding for homelessness and housing, and this will remain an important area for ongoing advocacy in conjunction with other peaks and community service providers.

Has your organisation registered for WAConnect?

WAConnect is WA's whole-of-sector community services directory that collects data and valuable information about services, such as: opening hours, locations, and different types of emergency support for people doing it tough. During COVID-19, WAConnect has proved to be critical in collecting data, so that we can use this in the event of a future emergency situation. There are detailed instructions about how to register your service or organisation's WAConnect account.

Don't miss out on media and communications workshops for the sector by Counsel Communications

Counsel Communications is offering a series of workshops designed to enhance your skills and support your business outcomes.

• Generating Content - 9:00am-12:00noon, Thursday 22 October 
• Media Performance Training - 1:00pm-4:00pm, Friday 23 October
• Media Performance Training - 1:00pm-4:00pm, Thursday 29 October 

To register, contact Simon Bailey on 0400 248 880 or [email protected]

WACOSS members receive a 10% discount on individual sessions and packages.

FCAWA Conference - Redefining 2020

This year's Financial Counsellors' Association of WA Conference is themed as Redefining 2020, Forging new Pathways for our Sector and will be held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, 26-28 October 2020. It's an excellent opportunity to network face-to-face, and the program has a stellar line up from around the country, and delegates attending from across our State. You may have the opportunity to apply for Lotterywest assistance to attend this conference. To find out more contact Pam via [email protected]. Read more and register for the conference.

Leadership WA - Aboriginal Leadership Scholarships available

Leadership WA is offering the Aboriginal Regional Leadership Development Scholarships for their 2021 Rising Leadership Program, proudly supported by Lotterywest and the Leadership WA Foundation. Ideal for mid-level professionals or emerging leaders, the Rising Leadership Program is a 6-month journey that fosters new thinking and perspectives on leadership.

Prevent. Support. Heal. Campaign at Parliament House

The campaign will gather at Parliament House on Tuesday 10 November, at 12noon to tell WA MPs that they need to properly fund our mental health system. Bring along a friend, and RSVP to register your attendance on the day.

Congratulations to HESTA Community Services Finalists

Congratulations to WACOSS member Ruah Community Services - their program Wongee Mia is a finalist in the HESTA Excellence Awards. Wongee Mia is an innovative pilot housing project designed to end the cycle of evictions and long-term homelessness disproportionately experienced by Aboriginal people. Congratulations also to Midlas, finalists in the same category for The Plenty Project, for providing emergency food relief to communities in need. Read about all of the finalists.

Change the World Digital Marketing Summit - 9 November

Change the World is a digital marketing summit for people making a difference. The conference is virtual and open to attendees from Australasia and beyond. Join the free event on 9 November and hear from eight speakers. This Hancock Creative event is designed to help as many good causes as possible and share education, tips, advice and training that can help you not just survive, but thrive, using digital media. Register here.

Shelter WA's 40th Anniversary Awards Event - 26 November

These Awards reflect collaboration, excellence, innovation, compassion and leadership in the social and affordable housing and homelessness sectors. Additional awards that reflect extraordinary achievements through COVID-19 have been incorporated into this year's event. Register to attend.