Community Sector Reform
Commonwealth Government Equal Remuneration Order Update
Many community organisations will have received offers of supplementation funding from government funders in relation to the equal remuneration order (ERO).
The Australian Government Department of Families Housing Community Service and Indigenous Affairs has recently prepared an FAQ which can be seen
here.
General information from FaHCSIA on the ERO can be seen
here
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulatory Approach: Consultation Open
The ACNC is seeking feedback on our approach to regulation. Our preliminary regulatory approach has been developed based on past public consultations. It is set out in our regulatory approach statement, which is available to download from the ACNC website below.
The main purpose of this consultation is to find out what charities and the public think about our regulatory approach.
There are a variety of ways to provide feedback, including an online survey, email form, community presentations, telephone and via post.
Consultation ends: 1 March 2013
For more information and to participate: See the
website, email
consultations@acnc.gov.au or call 13 22 62
Survey – Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme
Office of Regulatory Services (ORS), ACT Government
The ORS is interested in gauging public awareness of the Working with Vulnerable People Background Checking Scheme and effectiveness of the educative material about it.
For more information: See the
survey
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Sector Development, Activities and Events
Karralika Older People Forum (19 February - invitation only)
Karralika Programs Inc will be hosting an older people’s AOD forum with Ms Mary Porter MLA at the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday 19 February.
For further information: Please contact Camilla Rowland, CEO, on
ceo@karralika.org.au
Directions – change of email address format
Directions
Directions have recently had an IT upgrade, including a change to email addresses. Please note that emails to individual members of staff no longer have the first name-first letter of last name protocol (John Doe = Johnd@directionsact.com). The protocol for email addresses is now first name.last name (John Doe = John.Doe@directionsact.com).
For more information: Email
Fiona.day@directionsact.com or call (02) 6122 8027
Online Resource: Human Rights Toolkit
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS)
ACTCOSS has developed an online resource providing information to community organisations on human rights. It focuses on the roles and obligations of community organisations as public authorities.
For more information: See the
toolkit
Important changes to ACT Services for Children, Youth and Families
Child, Youth and Family Services Program, Community Services Directorate, ACT Government
The Child, Youth and Family Services Program is undergoing a change in the way it supports vulnerable children, young people and their families.
A new information, engagement and coordination service will commence operation as of 9am, 12 December 2012 and will be known as Child, Youth and Family Gateway. The new service will be based throughout Canberra and will be easy to access through a free call number, 1800 647 831. It will be responsive to participants and service providers alike.
This service provides a point of contact for information, initial support and engagement for children, young people and their families. This service will also be able to link vulnerable and in need children, young people and their families with a range of services throughout their local communities.
For more information: Email
casey.wotton@act.gov.au or call 6207 7329 or 1800 647 831
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Training and Professional Development
February- March 2012 Training and Professional Development Calendar
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar collates training and professional development opportunities for workers in the alcohol, tobacco and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
Download the
training calendar
To include your training in the next calendar, email
kate@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540.
ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCCA) and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
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27 February - Tour A
-
20 March - Tour B
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17 April - Tour C
-
8 May - Tour A
-
29 May - Tour B
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26 June - Tour C
For more information: See
ATODA's website, call (02) 6247 3540 or email
kate@youthcoalition.net
1 Day Appreciation of Torres Strait Culture Awareness Training
ACTCOSS & Benny Hodges of Wis-Wei Consulting
This one-day training for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers aims to assist participants in developing a better understanding of the cultural perspectives of Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The training will explore ways for organisations to develop a better understanding of some key issues such as culture, kinship and community. This training assists participants in developing and improving a range of cross-cultural communication skills.
Date: 1 March 2013
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: ACTCOSS members $165, Non-members $235, Government/Corporate $305
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten Street, Weston ACT
For more information and to register: See the
flyer, call (02) 6202 7200 or email
actcoss@actcoss.org.au
Workshop: Aboriginal, Culture, History & Heritage Training
ACTCOSS & Kerry Reed-Gilbert, Kuracca Consultancy
This one-day workshop for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers provides participants with a general introduction into the recent history of Aboriginal people in Australia. It aims to improve knowledge of Aboriginal culture and dispossession, and explores ways organisations may improve their practice to respond to the needs of Aboriginal peoples.
Date: 15 March 2013
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: ACTCOSS member $165, Non-members $235, Government/Corporate $305
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten Street, Weston ACT 2611
For more information: See the
flyer, call (02) 6202 7200 or email
actcoss@actcoss.org.au
Volunteering into the future – the next 100 years - Symposium
Volunteering ACT
Volunteering ACT is hosting a one day Symposium exploring how the volunteering sector will evolve and change into the future and how volunteering programs can achieve their full potential in a new and challenging environment.
Date: 27 March 2013
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Cost: $120 members/$220 non-members before 15 Feb 2013, $150 members/$250 non members thereafter
Venue: NATSEM Building 24, University of Canberra
For more information and to register: See the
flyer or
volunteeringact.org.au or call (02) 6251 4060
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Conferences and Symposiums
ACOSS National Conference 2013: The Heart of the Economy
Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS)
The ACOSS National Conference this year will put important social policy issues at the forefront of current economic debates and the election agenda. ACOSS has invited both the Prime Minister Juila Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbot to present their election platforms to the community sector at the opening of the conference.
Date: 25 – 26 March 2013
Venue: The National Wine Centre, Corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads, Adelaide, South Australia
Cost: Before 14 Feburary – Members $540, Non-members $720, Concession $115
For more information: See the
website, call (02) 9310 6202 or email
louise@acoss.org.au
Social Inclusion and Complex Needs Conference
Public Health Association of Australia
This Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) conference will showcase successful programs/approaches in addressing complex needs and social determinants of health, with the broader purpose of identifying what works and how. It has long been acknowledged that people with complex needs often fall through the cracks in service delivery - between national and jurisdictional service delivery, between government and non-government services, and between services delivered by different portfolio agencies
Date: 15- 16 April 2013
Venue: Hotel Realm, Canberra
Cost: Before 9 March – Members $650, Non-members $750
For more information: See the
website, call (02) 6285 2373 or email
events@phaa.net.au
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Service Delivery and Referral
This section contains details about new or updated services that accept referrals. For a complete listing of ACT services, please see the
ACT ATOD Service Directory
Stepping Stones to Success- 2 weekend workshop for family members of AOD dependants
Family Drug Support
This 2 weekend course brings together family members to share common challenges and strategies. Harnessing and sharing collective experiences, wisdom and skills can be life changing for families.
Stepping Stones aims to increase confidence and competence in managing complex drug and alcohol issues. It also provides skills to better manage the relationship with the user. This will create a more positive environment for the user towards better outcomes. The course is a reality based approach that includes self care and valuing self. Becoming more resilient will assist family members to cope better with their journey and ultimately survive the journey intact.
Please note that this course is not for those who are actually using drugs and/or alcohol.
Dates: 16-17 and 23-24 March
Venue: Canberra Hospital Garran, Level 1, Training Room 2, Building 5
Cost: $60 (FDS members $40). Fee assistance is available.
Registration and for more information: See FDS, call 0402 604 354 or email
theo@fds.ngo.org.au
Education and Therapy Groups
Alcohol and Drug Services, ACT Government Health Directorate
The Alcohol and Drug Services regularly run support and education groups for people who are having difficulty with ATOD, people seeking support in preventing relapse, and for friends and family members. Topics include:
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Controlling Your Cannabis Use Group
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Supporting Families and Friends Group
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Controlling Your Drinking Group
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Therapeutic Recovery Group
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Mindfulness, Meditation and Stress Management Course
-
Advanced Meditation
Cost: Free
For more information: See the
flyer or call (02) 6207 9977.
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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates
Smoke Free Environment Initiative Newsletter
ACT Government Health Directorate
This newsletter is an update about the implementation of a Smoke Free Environment within the Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services.
For more information: See the recent edition of the newsletter
here
Nofasard Newsletter – November
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders (NOFASARD)
The monthly newsletter of NOFASARD details news related to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and related disorders.
For more information: See the
newsletter
Healthier Work Newsletter
National Partnership on Preventative Health
This issue of the healthier work newsletter covers topics including workplace resolutions, number crunching and the healthier workplace audit tool.
For more information: See the
newsletter
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Service User Participation Project
The Service User Participation Project (SUPP) has been established to facilitate the drafting of a Consumer Participation Framework for the AOD sector. The framework will initially focus on Service User Participation and will provide a framework for providers and service users to enable meaningful participation in the AOD sector.
A Consumer Participation Forum will be held on the 12th April 2013. The forum will include presentations and workshops on the draft framework, the Service User Satisfaction Survey and Stigma and Discrimination training.
For further information on the project please email
charlene@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070
Service User Participation Project Committee (11 February)
The newly established Service User Participation Project Committee will convene its second meeting on 11 February (specific details for members will follow in a separate email). The Committee is driving key participation areas of work, including the ACT ATOD Consumer Participation Policy Framework. Members include: CAHMA, Health Care Consumers Association, Mental Health Justice Health and Alcohol and Drug Services consumer and carer consultants and ATODA.
Save the Date! Consumer Participation Forum (12 April)
A Consumer Participation Forum will be held on 12 April 2013. The forum will include a range of presentations and workships including on the draft consumer participation framework and the Service User Satisfacation Survey.
Survey: Use and reducing use of bush, hydro and synthetics
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NPIC)
NPIC is interested in knowing about the experience of people over the age of 18 who have been a regular user of cannabis (yarndi, gunja, pot, marijuana, hydro, skunk, etc.), or synthetic cannabis (such as Thai Hi, iBlaze, Tropic Thunder, Kronic, Spice, Cloud 9, Black Window, etc.).
The survey has questions about use of cannabis, experiences of 'hanging out' or withdrawing from cannabis, sleep, and some questions about health. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.
It is hoped that this study will provide relevant information to guide the development of resources to assist people who choose to reduce or quit their use of cannabis. No identifying information is being collected.
For more information: See the
survey
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Course
Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid is a 14-hour course which teaches first aid skills for mental health crisis situations and the early stages of mental health problems.
Date: 15 and 16 Feburary 2013
Venue: Yurana Centre, Canberra Institute of Technology
For more information: See the
website, email
CIT.YuranaCentre@cit.org.au or call (02) 6207 3309
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Lifeline Canberra
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop that aims to improve participants' suicide awareness and prevention skills. The course is presented by LivingWorks accredited facilitators who use internationally standardised resources and materials. Participants are trained to recognise when a person may be at risk and how to respond in a way that improves the immediate and long-term safety of the person at risk. The course is suited to sector workers whose role requires them to talk with clients, or work with clients experiencing difficult life circumstances or events.
Date: 14-15 Feburary 2013
Venue: TBC upon RSVP
For more information: See the
website, email
training@act.lifeline.org.au or call (02) 6204 6434
Accidental Counsellor Training
Lifeline Canberra
Accidental Counsellor Training is a two-day workshop that provides participants with fundamental skills in crisis support counselling and dealing with difficult clients and situations. The course also covers topics such as dealing with people who are angry, highly distressed, or experiencing the effects of a mental illness. Participants learn about the value of self-care, and strategies they can employ both at work and in their personal life to ensure their mental and physical wellbeing remains at an optimum level. Upon completion of the course participants will have an understanding of and be able to demonstrate active listening skills, and understand the foundations of developing and maintaining effective and productive relationships.
Date: 7 - 8 February 2013 and 21 - 22 February 2013
Time: 9am - 5pm each day
Venue: TBC upon RSVP
Cost: Early bird special $600 for two people (standard price $400 per person or $360 for a not-for-profit)
For more information: See the
website, email
training@act.lifeline.org.au or call (02) 6204 6434
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Employment and Volunteering Opportunities
Note: employment opportunities in the sector are also promoted on the Jobs of Substance website.
ATODA Employment Opportunity: Communications and Project Officer
Expressions of interest are sought from individuals who would like to join ATODA as a part-time Communications and Project Officer. This is an exciting and diverse opportunity for an individual to hone their communication and project skills in an often controversial and complex area of public policy. The hours are flexible and can accommodate other commitments such as family, employment and study.
Applications close: 7 February 2013
To apply complete the expression of interest form (
PDF) (
word), call (02) 6255 4070 or email
carrie@atoda.org.au
Project Officer – Part Time
Family Drug Support
Family Drug Support is seeking a Project Officer to work on our ‘Bridging the Divide’ project 3.5 days per week. The role is to create partnerships with drug treatment services to increase their capacity to work effectively with families. The primary aim is to improve the efficacy of drug treatment by involving and supporting families of the alcohol/drug user. Tertiary qualifications in psychology, social work or other relevant social science or Cert IV in Alcohol or Other Drug Work required.
Location of the position: Sydney and covering regional NSW areas and ACT
Remuneration: A generous salary will be negotiatied. A one year contract will be offered.
Applications close: 11 Feburary 2013
For more information and to apply: Email Tony Trimingham,
admin@fds.ngo.org.au
Expressions of Interest in Having a University of Canberra Student Placement
University of Canberra
The University of Canberra is calling for expressions of interest from organisations who are interested in hosting a student placement/project during 2013. The students are studying units relevant to the community sector and can help to achieve agency goals or provide an extra pair of hands. Organisations do not yet need to have a specific project in mind to express interest. Exact starting dates are flexible however third year students undertaking specific projects appreciate meeting with potential supervisors and organisations during February. Second year work experience students can begin any time throughout the year. While expressions of interest are not always necessarily taken up by students, the University of Canberra would like to thank all those who continue to be receptive and responsive to their placement program.
For more information: Email
Irmgard.Heiner@canberra.edu.au
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Grants and Funding Opportunities
ACT National Youth Week 2013 Grants
Youth Coalition of the ACT in partnership with the ACT Government, Australian Government and Beyondblue
The ACT National Youth Week 2013 Grants anre available to fund events that recognise the contribution of young people in the ACT to their community.
The grants aim to:
-
Promote positive images of the ACT’s diverse groups of young people;
-
Ensure culturally diverse approaches to youth participation in the planning and development of all National Youth Week activities;
-
Acknowledge the common interets of young people as well as their diverse backgrounds and circumstances (for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isalnder, multicultural and recently arrived or refugee young people, young people with disability(
-
Showcase young people’s diverse talents, contributiosn and achievements
-
Enable young people to express their ideas and give young people a voice; and
-
Raise awareness of depression and anxiety (if applying for a Youthbeyondblue grant)
Applications close: 8 Feburary 2013
For more information: See the
website or email
youthweek@youthcoalition.net
Indigenous Justice Program Funding Submissions
Attorney-General's Department, Australian Government
The Australian Government is calling for funding submissions under the Indigenous Justice Program from 2013-2014 to 2015-2016. The Program provides funding for projects to reduce adverse contact of Indigenous Australians with the criminal justice system. The objective is to support safer communities by reducing Indigenous offending, and in doing so, reduce Indigenous victimisation and incarceration. Organisations that are committed to working in partnership with the Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and want to make a difference in the community are encouraged to apply.
Applications close: 15 Feburary 2013
For more information: See the
website, email
ijp@ag.gov.au or call (02) 6141 4822
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Media
ACT Health to stick with new chiefs after scandal
Canberra Times, 25 January 2013
Changes to the top ranks at ACT Health made in the ‘volatile’ wake of last year’s data doctoring scandal look set to be made permanent. And Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has confirmed that the Canberra Hospital’s chief executive during the crisis has resigned and left the country.
For more information: See the
article
Needle exchanges ‘can curb Hep C’
Canberra Times, 17 January 2013
Needle exchange services should be provided in late-night convienience stores, petrol stations and in all Australian prisons to help stop the spread of hepatitis C, says a public health group. A report by the Economist Intelligence Unit warns hepatitis C has become a ‘silent pandemic’ that kills 350 000 people each year.
For more information: See the
article
Mental health unit ‘too small, too late’
Canberra Times, 14 January 2013
The former manager of the Alexander Maconochie Centre’s crisis support unit says the government’s promised secure mental health facility is too small and will come years too late.
For more information: See the
article
A problem kept locked away
Canberra Times, 13 January 2013
Aboriginies are over-represented in ACT’s prison population, and the numbers are rapidly rising. Ngambri elder Matilda House had one family member who was in and out of jail his whole life – while figures on the number of her extended Aboriginal family who have stayed at Her Majesty’s pleasure are too difficult to count.
For more information: See the
article
‘Ice’ users likely to suffer psychosis on drug, study finds
Canberra Times, 10 January 2013
Users of methamphetmine, or ‘ice’ are five times likeller to suffer psychotic symptoms while taking the drug, according to a groundbreaking new Australian study published in the Journal of the American Medical Assocation Psychiatry (JAMA).
For more information: See the
article
Sophisticated cannabis grow house leads to arrests
Canberra Times, 9 January 2013
Police uncovered a large hyrdoponic set-up in a two-storey home in Dagma Berne Street in November last year. They found 94 plans estimated, when mature, worth over $300,000 on the street.
For more information: See the
article
ACT to follow NSW smoking ban
ABC News, 7 January 2013
The ACT Government plans to follow New South Wales and ban smoking in more public places. From 7 January smoking is banned at all public transport stops and stations, children’s playgrounds, swimming pools and other public places – with big fines for those who flout the rules.
For more information: See the
article
Canberra probes ‘free’ cigarette covers
Canberra Times, 4 January 2013
Australia’s largest tobacco franchise could be in breach of state tobacco laws by giving away free cardboard cigarette covers designed to cover plain cigarette packs. The Tobacco Station Group, with more than 300 stores nationally, is offering covers which feature the company’s logo and website address free of charge to customers who purchase tobacco products in their outlets.
For more information: See the
article
Tipsy teens a headache
Canberra Times, 1 January 2013
Police say that while the New Year’s Eve crowd was generally well behaved, the large number of people who appeared to be affected by alcohol was ‘concerning and dissapointing’.
For more information: See the
article
Mental illness the largest contributor to disability worldwide
University of New South Wales Newsroom, 14 December 2012
Mental Illness of the largest contributor to disability, according to a report card on the world’s health, The Global Burden of Disease 2010 (GBD 2010). Close to a quarter of the world’s disability burden is attributed to mental and behavioural disorders combined.
For more information: See the
article
‘Pre-loaded’ drinkers hit streets
Canberra Times, 11 December 2012
A culture of “pre-loading” on alcohol before heading out to pubs and clubs is causing alcohol-related crime, violence, hospitalisation, assault and death. Australia’s largest study into alcohol-related night-life crime has found people are increasingly drinking before they go out to avoid high alcohol prices in venues.
For more information: See the
article
Aboriginal women in jail surge
Canberra Times, 7 December 2012
A JUMP in the number of Aboriginal women in custody has led to a marked increase in the number of women imprisoned in Australia.
For more information: See the
article
New app helps you locate a doctor wherever you are
Hon Tanya Plibersek and Hon Bernie Ripoll, press release, 6 December 2012
The National Health Services Directory is a free service developed to help patients find accurate information about health services, wherever they are.
For more information: See the
press release
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