- Friday, 2nd November 2018 -

This has been an exciting week. A Human Rights Bill was introduced to State Parliament on 31st October and, if proclaimed, will result in all Queenslanders having their rights to be treated fairly, equally and with dignity protected in law. The Queensland legislation will also be the first to allow people who claim their rights have been unfairly limited to make a complaint to a human rights commission. This will make the Queensland legislation more accessible and practical that the human rights laws that exist in Victoria and the ACT.

With these exciting developments in mind, I am very pleased to be a key note speaker at PeakCare’s ‘SPEAK OUT: Improving Outcomes through Advocacy’ Symposium on 21st November. The timing could not be better. Throughout the Human Rights Act for Queensland Campaign, I have greatly appreciated the support and advocacy provided by PeakCare. More advocacy will be needed however. As the Bill proceeds to the Committee stage, I am hoping that through the submissions lodged with the Committee by organisations working within the community services sector that the Committee and Parliament receive a very clear message that this legislation has resounding support. I look forward to meeting and discussing with as many of you as possible the importance of the advocacy role played by the community services sector during the PeakCare symposium.

Aimee McVeigh, Coordinator
Human Rights Act for Queensland Campaign

For more information about the ‘SPEAK OUT: Improving Outcomes through Advocacy’ Symposium and PeakCare’s AGM and end-of-year celebrations that will follow the symposium, click here.

To register for the symposium, click here.

Registrations close 12th November.
This is a MUST ATTEND event jam packed with topical issues of enormous significance to our sector.

What will a Human Rights Act mean for YOU and YOUR organisation?

After attending PeakCare's SPEAK OUT Symposium on Wednesday 21st November, make sure you also attend the breakfast event on Wednesday 28th November being hosted by QCOSS, PeakCare and other Queensland community service peaks. What will a Human Rights Act for Queensland mean for your organisation? will be discussed by the Hon Yvette D'Ath MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Aimee McVeigh, Campaign Coordinator, Human Rights Act for Queensland; James Farrell, Director, Community Legal Centres Queensland; and Ruth Bella Barson, Director Legal Advocacy, Human Rights Law Centre. The event is free but places are limited so register now to ensure you don't miss out.

Nomination of candidates for election to the PeakCare Board - the most critical election to be held in years

This year FIVE of the SEVEN positions on PeakCare’s Board will be vacated. This will make the election of Board Members at our forthcoming AGM the most critical election to have been held in many years. The closing date for receiving nominations has been extended to Friday, 9th November 2018 to ensure that there is an ample and strong field of candidates.

Please read and consider carefully this information sheet about eligibility to stand for election and the process for lodging nominations. A correctly completed Nomination Form, a Candidate Election Statement and a ‘head and shoulders’ picture (preferably in JPEG format) of each candidate must be emailed to lwegener@peakcare.org.au by COB on 9th November 2018.

PeakCare Members are urged to make sure that they are aware of who their Voting Delegates are and their Voting Delegates have registered to attend PeakCare’s AGM to be held on 21st November. Information will be distributed soon after 9th November with advice about the identity of each of the candidates and, in the event that a Voting Delegate is unable to attend the AGM, the process for assigning their vote to a proxy.

Pledges to the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation

PeakCare will be donating profit generated from the 'SPEAK OUT' Symposium and our AGM and end-of-year celebrations to the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. To date we have received pledges amounting to $1,900. We can do much much better! Pledges are sought from government AND non-government organisations, workgroups, and individuals. To make your pledge, simply complete this form and email it to lwegener@peakcare.org.au.

AGM season is upon us

AGM season is upon us, with QCOSS, Queensland Youth Housing Coalition (QYHC) and PeakCare holding AGMs in November. QCOSS will hold their AGM Tuesday, 6th November 7.30am to 9.30am at Souths Leagues Club, West End. Register here.

The QYHC AGM will be on Friday, 16th November 4pm to 6pm at The Ship Inn, South Brisbane, with guest speaker Christine Flynn. Register here.

Finally, PeakCare's ‘SPEAK OUT: Improving Outcomes through Advocacy’ Symposium and AGM and end-of-year celebrations will be a must-attend event on 21st November at Riverside Receptions, with Bob Atkinson AO APM, Karen Mahlab AM, and Aimee McVeigh, panel-led discussions and insights into advocacy in action, as well as workshops. Register here.

URGENT REMINDER - Team Leader nominations from all residential care providers due

All organisations delivering residential care services in Queensland are required to nominate a Team Leader within their organisation to work with PeakCare and the Queensland government in managing and coordinating the enrolment of residential care workers in the Hope and Healing e-learning program. Many providers are yet to respond. To nominate, email Lesley Leece at lleece@peakcare.org.au with the nominated person's name, title, organisation and preferred contact details.

Congratulations to Natalie Lewis

PeakCare warmly extends congratulations to Natalie Lewis, Gamilaraay yinar (woman), Family Matters Chair, CEO of QATSICPP, Board Member of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and now a finalist for the 2018 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award, which recognises individuals who help people overcome discrimination and improve their quality of life. Throughout her work and life, Natalie has demonstrated an unswerving commitment to advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, particularly in the areas of youth justice and child protection. The winner of the Award will be announced at the Human Rights Awards on Friday, 14th December in Sydney.

The Poverty Trap for Women: Anti Poverty Week 2018

The recent Women and Poverty Forum co-hosted by Minister Shannon Fentiman and Micah Projects was the topic of our In the Spotlight Article on 19th October. The forum also highlighted key information offered by Deloitte’s Natasha Doherty and Nikki Chenoweth who shared her own story. Read more.

If you know of a program, group or organisation that should be In the Spotlight, contact Lorraine Dupree.

Parenting & Enjoying Teenagers
Brisbane - Thursday, 8th November
Presented by BABI Youth & Family Service

BABI Youth & Family Service will be presenting this relaxed, informative and enjoyable 6-week group program for parents and carers of children 10+yrs every Thursday evening from 18th October to 22nd November. Topics covered will include: adolescent development and the challenges of parenting, highlighting and building on strengths, using effective and assertive communication, building your relationship with your teenager, setting limits and boundaries, improving life balance and developing self-care strategies, dealing constructively with anger, and a range of 'hot' topics: sex, alcohol and drug use, driving, social media and more! A special eSafety presentation on keeping young people safe online will occur as part of the series on Wednesday, 21st November. View the flyer for more details, or phone 3393 4176 to register.

Tough Conversations in Child Protection
Brisbane - Friday, 9th November
Presented by Parentshop

This is a one-day course for child protection professionals and family workers to help them to hold the often-challenging conversations with parents in child protection. The workshop helps busy professionals to quickly assess and prepare for tough conversations in situations where a clarity-of-message can make all the difference for vulnerable families. The registration price is currently reduced by $60! Find out more and register.

Working through the pain of loss: applying theory and evidence to grief and loss across the lifespan
Brisbane - Wednesday, 14th November
Presented by Australian Association of Social Workers

This full day workshop provides an overview of grief and loss theory and an evidence-based practice application to acute presentations of bereavement and loss in adults and children. It will use case examples and practice reflection to consolidate active learning of the content presented. Social workers are often presented with clients experiencing acute grief and loss in a broad variety of work contexts. The universal training of Accredited Social Workers equips us to provide generalist psychosocial assessments of stressors and strengths as well as sound generic interpersonal counselling services. However, many Social Workers identify a professional development goal to build upon this foundation to foster increased confidence and competence in working with the bereaved. This workshop provides an overview of seminal and contemporary grief theory as well as practice approaches to grief work based on the best available evidence as well as expert opinion. Find out more and register.

Bridging Troubled Waters: resolving workplace issues and difficult team dynamics
Brisbane - Wednesday, 14th November
Presented by Encompass Family and Community

Positive team dynamics underpin effective workgroups and when all is well, we may take this harmony for granted. But when conflict or personality clashes persist, everyone is affected and productivity can plummet. This workshop considers the tricky issues in managing workplace conflict and tension and restoring harmony. How do you engage ‘difficult’ workers who do not respond to the usual supervisory efforts to change unacceptable behaviour? How do you use your own personality and negotiation skills to ensure fair dealing while getting to the source of trouble? What strategies and techniques might help? This workshop is for competent supervisors who need a few more tricks up your sleeve in resolving workgroup issues and for those who want to avoid such issues arising. Find out more and register.

Key Skills in Family Therapy
Brisbane - Thursday, 15th to Friday, 16th November
Presented by Compass Seminars

This two-day workshop is aimed at practitioners who work with children, young people, adults, couples, families, and/or organisations supporting clients with mental health issues. This workshop aims to introduce participants to core family therapy concepts and broaden practitioners understanding of how to view “the client’s problem”, as well as provide practical skills and interventions for use with the client groups with which they work, built on theoretical constructs from systemic, structural, solution focused and narrative family therapy models to teach core thinking and interviewing skills in family therapy. It makes complex theory easy to grasp and the related techniques easy to implement. Find out more and register.

TACT: The Accidental Counsellor Training
Brisbane - Wednesday, 21st November
Presented by Amovita International

Knowing what to say and how to respond to others in distress or those who have experienced a traumatic event can feel overwhelming. The TACT program has been designed for those who are not employed in the role of a trainer counsellor, but are required to provide similar support to clients. The program will explore the impact of stress and resilience and develop and review a framework in which participants can look after themselves and the client in distress. This program will provide participants with the necessary skills and tools to be able to respond appropriately, effectively and efficiently when they are the first point of contact for a distressed client or when there may not be a trained qualified counsellor or practitioner immediately available to refer the client to. Find out more and register.

What will a Human Rights Act mean for your organisation?
Brisbane - Wednesday, 28th November
Presented by QCOSS, PeakCare and Queensland community service peaks

This free event discussing What will a Human Rights Act for Queensland mean for your organisation? is relevant for all family and community sector organisations. Hon Yvette D'Ath MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice has been invited to present the keynote address. A panel session will follow with community sector professionals discussing how they believe a Human Rights Act will affect the sector. Panel participants include: Aimee McVeigh, Director, Human Rights Act for Queensland Campaign; and James Farrell, Director, Community Legal Centres Queensland. Register to attend.

2018 Youth Health Conference
Gold Coast - Wednesday, 7th to Friday, 9th November

The Australian Association for Adolescent Health and the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association have partnered to host the 2018 Youth Health Conference. This year’s conference theme, “Owning Future Change”, invites young people, clinicians, researchers, educators and policy makers to act now to identify challenges and implement solutions to create real change in the lives and health of young Australians. The 2018 Youth Health Conference is the platform where the latest research findings will be presented with policy and practice recommendations, and where innovative models of care will be showcased. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Health and Sexuality Education and Sexual Health are major themes in this year’s conference. Find out more and register.

My Health Record information session
Brisbane - Friday, 9th November

A free briefing for the disability sector is being held to discuss the My Health Record at The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains from 10.30am to 12noon. Every Australian will get a My Health Record unless they choose to opt out before 15th November. This is an opportunity for questions to be answered about My Health Record – the briefing will cover the benefits, how it works, as well as the privacy and security of the system and records. Tea and coffee will be provided. Find out more and register.

Domestic violence intervention facilitator training
Brisbane - Monday, 12th November to Thursday, 15th November

Working effectively with men who have used domestic and family violence requires specialist knowledge and skills. In this four-day intensive workshop hosted by Services and Practitioners for the Elimination of Abuse Queensland (SPEAQ), you will work through a range of ideas and perspectives in domestic and family violence practice, and develop intervention skills to enhance family safety and wellbeing. This workshop is specifically designed to support workers who are developing their skills as men’s DFV behaviour change group facilitators. The workshop will cover topics including: how to have an engaged working culture when working with family violence; engaging with mandated clients; understanding the righting reflex; understanding the various pathways into family violence; mapping and identifying disruption points in patterns of behaviour; therapeutic group work skills; and co-gender facilitation. Find out more and register.

Sexuality and people with an intellectual disability: a sex positive approach
Brisbane - Tuesday, 13th November

This workshop to be delivered by Lud Allen Counselling will explore the meanings that you give to sexuality and specifically the meaning you give to sexual education for people with an intellectual disability. You will identify barriers that exist to supporting clients in meeting their sexual health and relationship education needs. You will use and critique resources specifically made for sexual health education of people with an intellectual disability and explore the benefits of 1:1 education vs small group education and hear how this has been applied successfully in real life scenarios. Find out more and register.

Who is a parent?
Brisbane - Wednesday, 14th November

Brisbane Family Law Pathways Network presents this conversation with drinks and canapes around the legal and social issues arising from the question of "who is a parent?" led by family law specialist, partner at Harrington Family Lawyers, Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and founder of the LGBT Family Law Institute Australia, Stephen Page. Find out more and register.

FRSA 2018 National Conference
Cairns - Tuesday, 20th to Friday, 23rd November

The Family and Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) National Conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of practitioners, academics and policy makers working to support children, families and communities. This year’s theme Be the change: Leaving no one behind is a call to all family and relationship service providers to continue creating better futures for all Australian children, families and communities we serve in the delivery of evidence-informed, collaborative and innovative services. The theme lends itself to a range of areas of exploration and discussion—from outcome measurement and reporting to FRSA’s current investment into seeking how our sector can take a more coordinated prevention and early intervention approach in its service delivery. Pre-conference workshops have now been announced. Find out more and register.

Advancing social work and human services research - Engagement and impact (panel discussion and seminar)
Brisbane - Thursday, 22nd to Friday, 23rd November

As part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project that is aiming to advance the production, utilisation, and impact of social work research in Australia, two events are taking place. A panel discussion will be held on researcher and industry perspectives about social work and human services research engagement and impact. The panel will feature Michael Hogan, Director General of Queensland Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women who will speak about using research to inform innovation in human services and Michele Robinson, Director Evidence to Action, Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety who will speak about how ANROWS promotes evidence to action. A seminar will also take place that will explore how social work researchers and industry can work together to increase research influence and real-world impact; and how to maximise the benefits that research brings to the community, social policy, human services delivery, and service users. Speakers will include Professor Grahame Simpson, industry representatives on what they look for in research partners and how they want to engage, Professor Christine Bigby on building and sustaining research partnerships, and Professor Mike Fisher on developing infrastructure to increase research impact. Find out more and register.

A Human Rights Act for Queensland - community event
Brisbane - Thursday, 22nd November

QCOSS is teaming up with the campaign for A Human Rights Act for Queensland to hold a free community event discussing how a Human Rights Act would be of benefit and how the push for this important reform can be sustained. Aimee McVeigh, Campaign Coordinator, A Human Rights Act for Queensland will MC the event with a keynote presentation by Scott McDougall, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner of Queensland, followed by a diverse panel of experts who will reflect on the importance of a Human Rights Act in their specific domain. Panel members include: Karyn Walsh, CEO, Micah Projects; and Kevin Cocks AM; Shane Duffy, CEO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Queensland); and Alani Tenaglia, Student volunteer with campaign for A Human Rights Act for Queensland. The event will examine a range of issues related to human rights, including the process and challenges associated with the development, implementation and enforcement of human rights charters, and most importantly what a human rights act in Queensland will mean for Queenslanders and Australians more broadly. Find out more and register.

Come have a cuppa...Morning Tea for parents
Brisbane - Monday, 26th November

The Family Inclusion Network's Morning Tea for Parents is an opportunity for parents who have/had children in care, have/had intervention with parental agreement, or have been reunified with their children, to share their experiences with others, discuss how they navigated the child protection and out-of-home care systems, and offer support to other parents. The Morning Tea is held once a month on Monday from 9.30am to 11am at Wellspring Coorparoo, 143 Cavendish Road. For enquiries, contact Rebecca by email or phone 3013 6030.

Healing Our Spirit Worldwide: The Eighth Gathering
Sydney - Monday, 26th to Thursday, 29th November

The International Indigenous Council for Healing Our Spirit Worldwide has invited The Healing Foundation and The University of Sydney to join together to celebrate the strengths of Indigenous peoples across the world. Healing Our Spirit Worldwide – The Eighth Gathering will share the experiences, resilience and challenges confronting Indigenous peoples across the world.

Post Inquiry: getting the voices of children and young people heard in decision making and litigation
Brisbane - Wednesday, 28th November

This Child Protection Practitioners Association of Queensland (CPPAQ) Practice Paper will discuss issues around getting the voices of children and young people heard - why is hearing from children and young people important? What has changed since the Inquiry, what has stayed the same? What are the challenges, what are the opportunities? Where to from here? Attendance is free for CPPAQ Members. Find out more and register.

Domestic violence and family law workshop
Brisbane - Thursday, 29th November

Women's Legal Service Queensland is holding a free full-day workshop for community agencies and service providers on the topics of topics of safety planning and risk assessment, domestic and family violence legislation and orders and family law (parenting and property), presented by a social worker and solicitor. Find out more and register.

STOP Domestic Violence Conference
Gold Coast - Monday, 3rd December to Wednesday, 5th December

Domestic violence can affect anyone in the community, regardless of gender, sexual identity, race, age, culture, ethnicity, religion, disability, economic status or location. Over the course of three days, the 2018 STOP Domestic Violence Conference will highlight, acknowledge and reflect on the efforts of those who have contributed and set the bar for change. The Conference aims to facilitate policy change, raise awareness and work together to eliminate violence within Australia. Find out more and register.

NFP Financial Leaders Summit
Sydney - Tuesday, 4th December to Thursday, 6th December

In an increasingly complex and constantly evolving environment, NFPs face ongoing challenges in their pursuit to achieve long-term social outcome success whilst remaining financial sustainability. The NFP Financial Leaders Summit is being held on 4- 6 December at the Mercure Sydney. This summit will shed light on key strategies of how to successfully diversify revenue streams and rely less on single source of funding in order to build financial strength. The practical programme will offer insights into: effective strategies for sustainability; proven measures to manage cash flow; balancing commerciality, purpose and sustainability; and developing a strong business model. View the full agenda or see the speakers list for more.

Child Aware Approaches Conference 2019
Brisbane - Thursday, 16th to Friday, 17th May 2019

The 6th Child Aware Approaches Conference will advance the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009–2020, the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022, and the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Conference will focus on five key themes: improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, improving access to prevention and early intervention, improving placement stability, keeping children and young people safe from abuse, and strengthening focus on wellbeing Beyond 2020. Abstract submissions are now open until 30th November. Presentations can be in any of four formats: plenary (symposium, hypothetical or debate), XPRESS podium (maximum 3 minutes), workshop (interactive), or Policy Think Space (discussion).

Visit the Events page on our website for other opportunities in the sector. You can also email your professional development opportunities so that we may promote them through future editions of eNews.

Men's Group Facilitator, BDVS - Micah Projects

Micah Projects is seeking a permanent, part time Male Men’s Group Facilitator to work 30.4 hours per week with the Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS). The objective of this position is to facilitate the delivery of eight (8) group programs per year of those men currently attending the Safer Lives: Men’s Domestic Violence Offender Program to live free from violence and to assist with the emotional and practical needs and issues arising from their experience. Find out more and apply. Applications close Monday, 5th November.

Support and Advocacy Worker (casual pool) - Micah Projects

Micah Projects is currently seeking Support and Advocacy Workers to join the casual pool. These positions will provide casual relief across several different Micah Projects programs, including: Resident Support Program, Homefront, Street to Home, Brisbane Domestic Violence Service, Coordinated Access Team and Supportive Housing Hope Street. Hours of work for these positions can vary across programs involving weekday, weekend, and night time work across different rosters. Availability across 24 hours/7 days a week is desirable. These positions are casual and are classified under the SCHADS Award 2010 – Level 2. Find out more and apply. Applications close Monday, 31st December.

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PeakCare Queensland
PO Box 159
Paddington Qld 4064

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