8 February 2024

Hello everyone,

At the beginning of last week, I stepped into the role of CEO. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of meetings and getting to know members across the sector. To those I’ve already met, thank you for the warm welcome I’ve received. If I haven’t met you yet, I hopefully will soon. I’m very interested in getting out and about to learn more about your organisation and the challenges you are facing, to help me be a strong advocate for your work.

One of the meetings I had last week was with Kate Washington, Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion. Together with NCOSS Policy Lead Neha Shah, we discussed the state of the sector and the challenges that the Government is facing to implement reform.

Pre-Budget Submission

Consultations are underway to help us develop the priorities and recommendations we will take to the NSW Government in their state budget this year. Scroll down to NCOSS News to read more and find out how your organisation can give its feedback as part of this process.

FONGA

NCOSS hosted the first Forum of Non-Government Agencies (FONGA) meeting of 2024 on Friday. These meetings bring together organisations providing services in ageing, disability, youth, women, domestic violence, housing and justice. I found it a really valuable opportunity to share information and collaborate on sector-wide issues. Scroll down to NCOSS News for a further update on what was discussed.

Thank you to Ben!

On a final note, I would like to thank Ben McAlpine who capably stepped in as Acting CEO over the past several months. He is helping me transition smoothly into my new role. I’m really excited to get stuck into working on practical outcomes to break the cycle of disadvantage in NSW. I look forward to working with all of you this year.

NSW Women of the Year Awards

We’re very proud that new NCOSS CEO Cara Varian has been announced as a finalist for the NSW Women of the Year Award! She has been recognised for the work she did in her previous role at the Harding Miller Education Foundation, which provides life-changing educational scholarships for girls in Australia facing disadvantage. Cara’s practical experience of breaking the cycle of poverty will be a big asset to NCOSS.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said: “I’m delighted to announce we had a record 420 nominations this year, each and every one showcasing the hard work, dedication and passion of women and girls across NSW.

“Women and girls are making a significant impact in advancing gender equality across different industries, from science to education, health, industry, culture and community. “We want to continue to empower the next generation to be limitless in delivering positive changes through fortitude in their fields of expertise.

A big congratulations to Cara and to all the other finalists.

NCOSS is currently talking with members and stakeholders about our Pre-Budget Submission.

The Draft Submission has a focus on four priority areas – Cost of Living, Housing and Homelessness, Children Young People and Families, and Social Sector Sustainability.

With the current government indicating they are in “doing” mode this year, now is a good time to put critical asks in front of them. We hope to meet with key Ministers and/or their staff following on from the submission.

We will be sending all our members a draft copy on Monday 26 February inviting you to go online and endorse the submission by Friday 1 March when it is due to the NSW Government. There will be a dedicated endorsement page on our website for you to sign on and upload your logo.

The Community Sector Disaster Capability Team in Northern Rivers are delivering the Disaster Ready Together Summit. Registrations are open here: https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-ready-together-summit.

The Disaster Ready Together Summit is an opportunity for the Northern Rivers community service sector to come together with leading practitioners (both national and regional) to hear the latest ideas and innovations in disaster resilience, emergency management and risk reduction. The programme includes keynote speakers, panels of local service providers, presentations and interactive workshops. There will also be a 'Resilience Lane' where people can browse booths full of useful resources from relevant organisations.

The program features a number of streams, enabling participants to tailor their Summit experience to their interests and needs. There will be sessions on building organisational and staff resilience; panels of local service providers working with indigenous communities, older people, early childhood, youth and mental health; emergency management sessions; preparedness; the role of NGOs in disaster management and how government and non-government services can work better together.

When: Thursday 7 and Friday 8 March
Where: Southern Cross University, Lismore

New NCOSS CEO, Cara Varian, will lead an interactive session to discuss disaster advocacy and the roles of the community service sector in disaster adaptation.

This is your chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of disaster readiness.

The CSDC Project is funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund.

Follow these links to find out more about the Disaster Ready Together Project and the Community Sector Disaster Capability Project.

NCOSS hosted the first Forum of Non-Government Agencies (FONGA) meeting of 2024 last Friday. This is a space where members can share news and discuss issues relevant to the sector.

Here were some of the issues raised at the meeting:

Dr Angela Jackson and Brad Ruting from Impact Economics and Policy presented their findings from their report Beyond roads and bridges: Critical social infrastructure for South West Sydney.

South West Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW. It’s projected to have 30% more people by 2041 and has one of the highest levels of disadvantage in NSW. The report looked at eight areas of social infrastructure that need urgent funding to prevent entrenching poverty and disadvantage.
NCOSS is partnering with Work Ventures to look at cyber security threats across the sector. This work will allow us to advocate for more funding for the sector to deal with risks in this area.
The next FONGA meeting will be on Friday, 5 April.

NCOSS will be conducting a membership review this year. We want to hear from you about your experience being a member of NCOSS. To be part of the consulation process, please RSVP at the location of your choice at this link.

These are the dates for focus groups in your local area.

Date: Thursday 22 Feb
Region: Blue Mountains
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Address: Blue Mountains City Council. 2 Civic Place Katoomba NSW 2780

Date: Monday 26 Feb
Region: Illawarra / Shoalhaven
Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Address: Berry School of Arts. 19 Alexandra St, Berry NSW 2535

Date: Monday March 4
Region: Sydney
Time: 10am-12pm
Address: NSW Council of Social Service. Gadigal Country. Yirranma Place, Level 1, 262 Liverpool Street. Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Online focus group
Date: Monday March 4
Region: All regions
Time 3pm – 5pm
Location ZOOM video conferencing

NCOSS made a joint submission with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW (FCAN) to the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change’s consultation paper on proposed reforms to the Energy Accounts Payments Assistance (EAPA).

If implemented, the proposed reforms would better support NSW households that experience crises with their energy bills.

Reforms include:

A trail debt program to support customers in longer-term debt
Expanding EAPA to customers living in embedded networks
Renaming the program
Reforming the application process
Fuel neutrality for EAPA applications
Changing to exact dollar amounts instead of $50 increments
Implementing a new assisted delivery channel to improve access and reduce administrative burden
Improving the communication and awareness strategy for the program

Our submission supported the majority of proposed reforms, and provided feedback on other potential reforms that would further improve the program.

Read the full submission here.

NCOSS Acting CEO Ben McAlpine was interviewed about back-to-school costs for families.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that: "NSW Council of Social Service acting chief executive Ben McAlpine called for the $150 back-to-school voucher program to also be reinstated for low income earners.

“Our members are struggling to keep up with the increase in demand for their services and many report seeing new families that were previously getting by okay,” he said.

“What NSW families need right now is more support, not less.”

Link to the Sydney Morning Herald article (subscriber).

NCOSS Acting CEO Ben McAlpine was interviewed about a new $60 toll cap for Sydney drivers.

Speaking to ABC News, Mr McAlpine said the toll cap would only help one part of people's budgets.

"Households across the state will still be grappling with housing costs, food, energy and other essentials."

He said while the toll relief scheme was welcome, it would not help everyone.

"People may not realise one in four people who live below the poverty line have a job, and so they need to be able to make sure they can travel by either car or public transport to their work," he said.

"With higher petrol prices and tolls that puts immense pressure on people's budgets to try and make sure they can keep working."

Link to the ABC News article here.

When disaster strikes, legal problems often follow.

Having your documents stored electronically is a great way to get started preparing for an emergency, and help you navigate any potential legal issues.

Together, it’s time to get ePrepared.
Get ePrepared is a new free, online self-help tool developed by Justice Connect, in partnership with Telstra. It is designed to coach you through how to store electronic copies of your important documents, in case you need them in an emergency.

Visit Get ePrepared: https://prepare.apps.justiceconnect.org.au/

The campaign to raise the age of criminal responsibility in NSW is gaining momentum and ground.

In NSW children as young as ten can be locked up and dragged through the courts. This harms children and does not deliver safer communities.

Our partner network is now more than 75 strong. We are frontline services, advocates, First Nations organisations, experts, workers, educators, peak bodies, and so many others.
In 2024, we will continue to call on the NSW Government to raise the age to at least 14.

2024 is going to be big. Momentum to #RaiseTheAge is growing thanks to people like you.

You can help us grow even stronger! Invite other people and organisations to join us: https://raisetheagensw.org.au/join-us

Are you the parent or caregiver of children with disability, developmental delay, and/or neurodiversity?

We want to hear your thoughts on last year’s NDIS Review!

As part of our new survey, we’ll ask you questions about:
- You and your children
- Your family’s support needs and what’s next
- Your overall view on the Review and proposed solutions

CYDA has been working with the Review to make sure the needs and interests of children and young people with disability are properly represented in coming reforms. By taking part, you’ll be helping create a better system for all.

Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K357HRJ

Last week the NSW government launched Homes NSW. This new agency will bring together housing and homelessness services of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and key worker housing all under one roof.

Rebecca Pinkstone has been named as inaugural head of Homes NSW. Rebecca is also the Chair of the Community Housing Industry Association NSW.

Rebecca has almost two decades of experience in the housing sector, most recently as the Chief Executive Office of community housing provider Bridge Housing.

In a media statement she said: “Homes NSW will deliver on the promise of more and better social and affordable housing in NSW. Our aim is to create the best social housing system in the country.”

Managing unreasonable conduct by a complainant
NSW Ombudsman
28 February, 2024
$550 +GST | Register here: Managing unreasonable conduct by a complainant (nsw.gov.au)

This session is designed to provide practical information for community workers and volunteers wanting to assist clients with Centrelink debt matters. We will cover how to appeal decisions that are incorrect or seem unfair, and the type of circumstances in which a debt can be waived. They will also address negotiating repayments, garnishee actions, possible criminal prosecution, and more.

Recovery Oriented Practice
Mental Health Carers NSW
13 February, 2024
Free | Register at Recovery Oriented Practice Tickets | TryBooking Australia

By the end of this training session you will understand the concept of recovery in the mental health field, feel confident in navigating the recovery model of care in diverse settings, become aware of how to use a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and feel like you have the appropriate knowledge and resources to help and support your loved one with their recovery.

User’s Guide to the NSW Mental Health System
Mental Health Carers NSW
9 February, 2024
Free| Register here: User's Guide to the NSW Mental Health System Tickets, Central Coast ARAFMI, Narara | TryBooking Australia

This course introduces you to the complexities of the NSW mental health system and provides basic knowledge to help navigate it and be a better advocate for yourself and others. The course touches on mental health and the processes and systems that are in place to support people experiencing different degrees of mental health issues.

NSW Department of Social Services
Closing Date: 20 February, 2024

The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply to deliver projects under the Family and Communities Program: Strong and Resilient Communities Activity – Inclusive Communities Grants Round 3. These grants aim to support equity and opportunity for Australian communities through local community-driven solutions that build self-reliance and empowerment.

For more information, visit the grant information page.

Some of the latest from our Jobs Board:

Full-time Assistant Manager (Lilyfield, Sydney) - WHOS Gunyah - VIEW JOB

Case Manager - Specialist Homelessness Services (Moruya) - Anglicare - VIEW JOB

Community Health Promotion Officer, LGBTQ+ People with Disability (Sydney CBD) - ACON - VIEW JOB

Community Wellbeing Officers (Inner West Sydney) - Inner West Council - VIEW JOB

Experienced Domestic & Family Violence Counsellor (Inner West Sydney) - The Gender Centre Inc - VIEW JOB

Managing Solicitor, Homeless Persons' Legal Service (Sydney CBD) - Public Interest Advocacy Centre - VIEW JOB

Monaro Family Support Service Local Team

The Monaro Family Support Service (MFSS) has been supporting community members and groups to prepare for disasters, through the Community Sector Disaster Capability project in Snowy Monaro.

Project Officer Tracy Crompton delivered emergency preparedness information and Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness sessions to the community including mums and bubs groups, people with a disability and older peoples groups, and isolated communities in response to community concerns after an early start to the bushfire season.

Residents in the smaller more isolated communities of Nimmitabel and Creewah highlighted the lack of evacuation and transport options during an emergencies at session with the MFSS Project Team, Snowy Monaro Regional Council Recovery staff, local RFS personnel, Red Cross, and NSW Police.

MFSS have more sessions planned for 2024.

In April, MFSS will hold a workshop to bring community sector managers and staff together, tapping into their extensive experience and knowledge, to explore the disaster support roles that local NGOs can provide. Local NGOs provided many types of support to residents impacted by events like the 2019/20 bushfires. This workshop will be an opportunity to discuss and plan how local services can support the community to prepare for and respond to future disasters.

Would you like to know more about the Community Sector Disaster Capability Project in Snowy Monaro? Contact Tracy Crompton, CSDC Project Officer, t.crompton@mfss.org.au, 0499 618 691

NCOSS gives its members the opportunity to share their stories, research, resources, events and more through NCOSS eNews. If you have something to share with the sector, send through a short blurb (50-70 words), image (250 x 250px) and relevant links to info@ncoss.org.au.

We will endeavour to add it to an edition of NCOSS e-News (goes out every fortnight on Thursday morning). Deadline for content is 5:00pm on Monday, the week of publication. The next deadline is Monday, 19 February 2024.