13 July 2023

13 July 2023

Indexation win!

On 30 June – and following sustained advocacy by NCOSS and the ASU, among others – the NSW Government announced 5.75% indexation to community services grants in the Health and Communities and Justice portfolios from 1 July.

This was most welcome news and is recognition of the vital work of our sector’s predominantly female workforce, which for too long has been under-valued and taken for granted. It means services will be able to pass on mandated wage rises, deliver on the super guarantee increase and meet other rising costs of service provision without needing to reduce hours or cut back on service levels at a time of unprecedented demand.

We’ve thanked the NSW Treasurer and Ministers Washington and Park for recognising and delivering on this. And we’ll continue to push for a consistent, evidence-based approach to indexation and other contracting and funding reforms to support a vibrant, sustainable social service sector offering job security, decent pay and a rewarding career.

Read our media release or scroll down to NCOSS in the News for the full article.

We understand that payments under eligible contracts have already been made for the first quarter of 2023/24 and do not include indexation, but that DCJ and other agencies are actively working through the details and advice should be provided shortly on when indexation payments will be made, effective from 1 July.

Rental reforms – Have your say

The statistics and stories speak for themselves – the housing market has failed spectacularly, we can’t wait to build ourselves out of the current housing crisis, and the NSW and Australian Governments need to intervene to help those who are being hammered the hardest. The NSW Government’s recently released Improving NSW Rental Laws consultation paper comes in the nick of time.

Housing is an essential service, and safe, adequate and affordable housing a basic human right. This is our opportunity to put forward views on the suggested changes outlined in the paper and to highlight other reforms needed to improve access to this essential service.

NCOSS will be making a submission drawing on our latest research, consultations and the joint statement, issued last month, with the Tenants’ Union of NSW, Shelter NSW, and Housing Action for the Aged Group, which put forward additional measures for the NSW Government to ease pressure on renting households and enhance consumer protections. Read the statement here.

We encourage all in our sector impacted by this crisis to have your say. Submissions close 11 August 2023.

Congratulations Trina Jones, inaugural NSW Rental Commissioner

The announcement of NSW’s inaugural Rental Commissioner also comes at a critical time. We offer hearty congratulations to Trina Jones, CEO of Homelessness NSW, which for so long has played a strong and crucial advocacy role in the NSW landscape. It's great to see sector experience heading into government and we look forward to working with Trina in her new capacity.

Such an important opportunity when so many low income families face limited housing choices, massive rental hikes and the very real prospect of homelessness!

“Venality, incompetence and cowardice” – Findings of the Robodebt Royal Commission

The damning findings in Royal Commissioner Catherine Holmes’ report on the Robodebt scheme has given us the rare opportunity for a reset. As the Commissioner has made clear, Robodebt was not just illegal. It was immoral, driven by demonising those who live in poverty. In her words:

“Politicians need to lead a change in social attitudes to people receiving welfare payments. The evidence before the Commission was that fraud in the welfare system was miniscule, but that is not the impression one would get from what ministers responsible for social security payments have said over the years. Anti-welfare rhetoric is easy populism, useful for campaign purposes.”

It’s also a reminder that good public policy is developed in consultation with a range of individuals and organisations. Commissioner Holmes recommends that policies and programs related to changes to social security should be designed with people with lived experience, peak advocacy bodies, legal experts and front line staff who will be charged with on the ground delivery.

She highlighted the need for the government to have regard to the important public interest role played by legal aid commissions and community legal centres when next reviewing the National Legal Assistance Partnership.

Commissioner Holmes has also highlighted the need to raise the rate noting that, "with financial security comes the dignity to which social security recipients are entitled and to which [Robodebt] was so damaging.”

NAIDOC Week 2 July to 9 July 2023 – For Our Elders

NAIDOC week 2023 wrapped up on Sunday, 9 July. The theme – For Our Elders – focussed on how the world’s oldest continuing living cultures depended on the continuous sharing of knowledge, passed down from First Nations Elders. Read about how the NCOSS team celebrated NAIDOC Week in the article below. And you can still attend NAIDOC Week events as celebrations continue. Scroll down to Sector Events to see what’s still coming up.

With so many events to choose from, NAIDOC Week 2023 was a busy one for the NCOSS team. Here are some of the things we did, out and about, to recognise and celebrate First Nations people and cultures.

Joanna spent time at the Alexandria Park Community School on Friday, 30 July, to see the creative endeavours and celebrate the achievements of First Nations students as well as attending the Monday, 3 July event at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern.

At the NCIE event, Aunty Beryl spoke, Tribal Warrior conducted a smoking ceremony and families, community members and local organisations came together to enjoy a beautiful day out.

There were many Elders at both events, being recognised for their leadership, guidance and efforts to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.

Image of NCIE NAIDOC celebrations from the NAIDOC Week website.

Among other things, Rocellita visited the fourth National Indigenous Art Fair at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Gadigal Land – a two-day art NAIDOC Week market and program.

The National Indigenous Art Fair provides a unique opportunity to buy works directly from remote community-owned art centres in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.

There was also a vibrant program of live music and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance performances, weaving circles and more than 25 Blak Markets stallholders from around NSW selling art, jewellery, gifts, homewares, and Indigenous bush food and plants. So much to see and do!

Yirranma Place – located on that part of Gadigal Country now also known as Darlinghurst – kicked off a week long program of NAIDOC Week celebrations with a screening of the must-see Mounty Yarns. Sarah and Cath were there.

The film tells how First Nations young people have experienced systemic racism in the child protection, policing, and the juvenile justice systems as they operate in Mount Druitt in their own voices – and what’s needed to turn things around.

We also got to hear, directly, from some of the strong and impressive young people who made the film in a Q&A session and meet them afterwards. They are the Elders of the future.

Visit Just Reinvest’s website to see Mounty Yarns and learn more Just Reinvest's important work.

Andrea and Eleanor attended a weaving session by Welcome to Country, while learning about the deep, rich heritage of this cultural practice. They said it was fun, but hard. Andrea thought that her basket ended up looking something like a pen holder...

Sarah went to the a Wayapa Wuurrk Workshop with Jaz Corr.

Using a combination of Earth mindfulness, a yarning circle, a series of physical movements and (on this occasion) delicious sarsaparilla and lemon myrtle tea, Wayapa provides a sense of belonging to the Earth while creating holistic well-being. She found it both interesting and invigorating.

Neha took one of her sons to a Boomerang painting workshop held by Balgarra Designs, and the whole family attended the NAIDOC Week celebrations held by the City of Ryde on the land of the Wallumedegal people.

They heard from Uncle Kyle about the important role Elders play in Aboriginal communities and enjoyed learning about the history of the didgeridoo. The boys drank way too much lemon myrtle lemonade and they all snacked on cheesy damper with quandong jam made by Trent and Charlie from Koori Kinnections.

In the Illawarra, Frankie attended the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy Celebration on Saturday, 8 July. Music, food, and learning about the importance of the Sandon Point site to the local Aboriginal community.

This was a site that had been occupied continuously by Aboriginal people for thousands of years until around 2005 when the nearby Stocklands site was developed, and the Aboriginal occupants of a tent embassy set up in the late 1990’s were turfed off.

A campaign to protect the site followed including radical action, extensive court cases, and state government interventions until, in 2007, the site was declared an Aboriginal Place by the NSW Government.

Currently the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) organisers are making representations to Wollongong Council to set up arrangements for its proper care and control by the Aboriginal community.

Image of Sandon Point Aboriginal Place as seen on the Wollongong City Council website.

Have you registered for Mapping Economic Disadvantage in Western Sydney yet?

The recent NCOSS Mapping Economic Disadvantage in NSW report draws attention to the nature and extent of poverty – including the groups most impacted – in different regions of NSW, to inform local community and service planning, and to advocate for policies to address poverty and disadvantage.

The research breaks down poverty rates and gives us a sophisticated picture of where people living with disadvantage are located and who they are – including their age, sex, employment, family arrangements, and housing tenure.

Western Sydney Community Forum and NCOSS will be holding three sessions across Western Sydney to present key themes from the data and the implications for the region. These sessions also feature a presentation of experiences on the ground and bring together community and human service organisations to look at ways forward in alleviating poverty and disadvantage in Western Sydney.

Nepean Blue Mountains
Monday 17 July 2023
10am to 12pm
Register here.

Western Sydney
Monday 17 July 2023
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Register here.

South Western Sydney
Thursday 20 July 2023
10am to 12pm
Register here.

For more information:
9687 9669
info@wscf.org.au

The Bus Industry Taskforce – a NSW Government election commitment – has finalised its First Report for submission to the Transport Minister, the Hon Jo Haylen MP, on 10 July.

The Taskforce has been asked to look into bus services generally, including their reliability, equity of coverage and frequency, accessibility, service planning, and infrastructure and technology required to support effective, customer-focused service delivery.

After the recent, terrible bus crash in the Hunter Valley, the Taskforce's remit has been expanded to include safety and safety systems expert, David Lane, was appointed as a member by Transport Minister, the Hon Jo Haylen MP.

Since 9 May, the Taskforce has met fortnightly and has been briefed on wide-ranging matters such as workforce issues, service planning approaches, investments in growth services and supporting infrastructure, funding models, and asset management approaches. An industry roundtable was held on 21 June.

Buses have an important role to play in the NSW public transport system, especially communities in the West and South West Sydney as well as rural and regional NSW. We know from our Mapping Economic Disadvantage in NSW research that these are areas where some of the people most impacted by poverty and disadvantage live.

We also know the accessibility of services – including supporting infrastructure like bus stops – is patchy at best. NCOSS' brings this lens to the process, to ensure that the needs of those who live with poverty and disadvantage are front of mind in considering how to improve service delivery.

The Taskforce is chaired by a former Secretary of the NSW Transport Department, who also headed up the government-operated Sydney Buses and Newcastle Buses and Ferries and was also CEO of a major, Western Sydney private bus operation. Members include:

Matt Threlkeld, Executive Director, BusNSW
Joanna Quilty, CEO, NCOSS
Darriea Turley, President, Local Government NSW
David Babineau, Divisional Seretary, Rail, Tram and Bus Union
Mick Pieri, Assistant State Secretary, Transport Workers Union
David Lane

We'll keep you posted on developments.

Read the Taskforce Terms of Reference.

Read the letter expanding the Terms of Reference.
Visit the Taskforce website.
Image credit: Bus Industry Taskforce, TfNSW.

It’s been almost two months since we had a group conversation on building cultural safety for First Nations staff and communities in the lead up to the Voice Referendum. The themes and concerns that were raised at our 18 May Building Cultural Safety in Times of Change webinar remain as important as ever.

We've had a great response, so far, to our invitation to join us as we continue the conversation on 24 July. If you haven't already, RSVP here.

The image is a detail from our RAP artwork, One Step of Many More, by Wandi Wandian artist, Karlie Stewart.

The NSW Budget is the most important annual political, economic and social document in the state. It is the mechanism by which the NSW Government appropriates or raises funds for state-wide community services and programs.

Advocating for appropriate budgets – and scrutinising what's delivered – are important parts of NCOSS' work. Join us online as Catherine McGovern, Principal, Evaluate Consulting, gives a primer as well as refresher on the NSW Budget process. This event is scheduled for 15 August. Other details and, the RSVP link, are here.

Image of the Legislative Assembly chamber as seen on the NSW Parliament website.

On 30 June, the NSW Government announced that indexation in the amount of 5.75% will apply to community services grants in the Health and Communities and Justice portfolios from 1 July.

The announcement is much welcomed and has been hard fought, coming on the back of significant advocacy from NCOSS, the Australian Services Union and others. With the Fair Work Commission determining a 5.75% cent wage increase for community sector workers, a 0.5% super increase kicking in from 1 July and CPI is through the roof, cost pressures risked frontline services being cut back when people needed them most.

“This announcement by the NSW government provides certainty,” said NCOSS CEO, Joanna Quilty. “It means community organisations providing essential support can meet rising costs of service provision including wage increases, and keep their doors open at a time of significant demand.

“The NSW social service sector goes above and beyond to support people and communities, but its predominantly female workforce has long been undervalued.

“We’re talking about employees who provide services to people who are homeless, who can’t afford to feed their family, who are fleeing violence, or who are struggling with health issues.

“Just because these employees have good hearts, and have made it their job to help the poorest or most vulnerable, doesn’t mean we can take advantage.

“Our gratitude is not enough. These employees deserved a pay rise, particularly after their herculean efforts during the recent rolling crises of pandemics, fires and floods."

Read the full media release.

There was broad media coverage of the NSW Government's 5 July 2023 announcement, lifting temporary hardship assistance to $2,000 per financial year from $1,600 through the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme and of Joanna's comments.

The scheme helps about 50,000 households and businesses experiencing hardships – such as loss of income, unexpected medical costs and natural disasters – avoid being disconnected by their energy retailer. From August, those eligible can apply for two $500 vouchers for gas bills and two $500 vouchers for electricity bills over the next year.

The following is an extract from the Riverne Herald:

NSW Council of Social Service chief executive Joanna Quilty said the change would make a huge difference to households in dire circumstances.

"But there's more to do to streamline and speed up eligibility and application processes and to make sure people know this assistance is available."

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe shared the frustration that only about half of the 2.35 million people eligible for energy bill relief applied for it in 2020/21.

"It's a real worry," she said. "Sometimes, it is too complicated. There's a real information gap about people not knowing or ruling themselves out as not being eligible."

Read the full article as published in the Riverne Herald. Photo by Andrey Metelev on Unsplash.

On 12 July, the NSW Government announced that those seeking emergency accommodation in NSW will now have greater access and a higher asset threshold to qualify. The length of stay is being lifted from two to five days and the assets threshold has gone from $1,000 to $5,000 (and won't apply to those leaving domestic or family violence).

Joanna's comments have been widely reported, including in the llawarra Mercury. An extract follows:

Head of peak body the NSW Council of Social Service Joanna Quilty said five days was obviously better than two and welcomed removing barriers to temporary accommodation, particularly for women fleeing violence.

"But when temporary accommodation itself is in short supply, not to mention the desperate lack of affordable rentals and a chronic under-supply of social housing, clearly a whole suite of measures is required to tackle this insidious crisis," she said.

"Today's announcement is a small step, and hopefully, there are bigger ones to come."

Read Duncan Murray's full article as published in the Illawarra Mercury. Image by Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS, as seen in the llawarra Mercury.

The latest official data shows Australia’s charity sector generated $190 billion in revenue and employed 10.5% of the workforce, highlighting its significance to the Australian economy and community.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has released the 9th edition of the Australian Charities Report. Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said it shows charity revenue, assets and donations grew in the 2021 reporting period. The report also includes a 'Focus on giving and philanthropy.'

“Behind the top line figures are thousands of small charities operating with mostly volunteers. In fact, 65% of charities are small, with annual revenue under $250,000, and a third of all charities have less than $50,000 annual revenue.”

For a snapshot of the Australian charity sector, see the ACNC's infographic.

Women make up three-quarters of the public health workforce but are appointed to fewer than half of senior leadership positions. The Women in Public Health (WPH) network has been launched recently to address and change this.

WPH aims to advance gender equity in public health leadership by connecting women in the sector, elevating their voices and highlighting the inequities that still exist. Membership is free and open to all women who work, volunteer or study in an area that progresses health outcomes.

To become a member and complete the survey to help shape the network’s priorities, visit the website.

Here’s an opportunity to be a changemaker in the drug law reform space. Join other leaders with lived/living experience to build your skills and capacity and help campaign for change.

Uniting Fair Treatment are looking to expand their reference group and recruit new changemakers for the cause.

By getting involved you will:

Help direct the campaign and drug policy advocacy
Share your story in a safe, non-judgmental space
Meet and work with other passionate people interested in winning change
Develop new skills – through free training opportunities and leadership development
Play a key role in helping plan for the upcoming NSW Drug Summit
Attend meetings with NSW State government MP’s and other stakeholders

Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Culture – Twilight Markets
Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation
51-57 Henry St, Penrith, 2750
14 July 2023 I 3:00pm-7:00pm
Cost of Entry: FREE

Our culture is dependent on the continuous sharing of knowledge passed down from our Elders. Our event highlights the importance of our Elders' knowledge through yarns by the fire, market stalls selling their art, food and other items made by them. You will find large portraits of our Elders on display around the site, with their story attached. These are for sale through a silent auction, celebrating them and how much they are loved and respected by our communities.

The event shows appreciation to our Elders and ensures the wisdom they possess is not lost but celebrated. See the NAIDOC Week website for more details.

On Wangal Land – Conversations with Community
City of Canada Bay
Concord Library
19 July 2023 I 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Cost of Entry: FREE

Our First Nations community who live, work, and are connected to Wangal Land are thoughtful, diverse, and open to sharing their experiences. Join us for this panel discussion to listen to and learn from the stories and experiences of some of the artists, educators, and activists in our local community.

Artwork by Gwiyaala Aboriginal Art in collaboration with community members at a First Nations meet up in November 2022.

The Concord Library is at 60 Flavelle St, Concord, NSW 2137. For more informtion, visit Council's website and the NAIDOC Week website.

Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Ceremony
Saturday 29 July 2023 I 5:00pm - 10:00pm

The Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Ceremony celebrates the contribution and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.

The Awards are supported by Kiama, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven councils as well as the NSW Government.

Kiama Council is proud to host the Awards in 2023 at The Pavilion from 5pm, 29 July 2023. The evening will be hosted by Andy Saunders and also feature a Sand Ceremony, a dance performance by Gumaraa, Yarn Time and musical performances.

Tickets are now on sale. Further information about the awards.

Health Equity Learning Lab Oz (HELLO) webinar
Monday 14 August 2023
Time: 12-1pm ACST (note: 12.30pm – 1.30 pm AEST)

This third HELLO webinar features Associate Professor David Scrimgeour AM and Michael Larkin, Senior Lecturer (Indigenous Health) who will present on the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in pursuing health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Health Equity Learning Lab Oz (HELLO) is organised by Stretton Health Equity, University of Adelaide, as part of the National Health and Medical Research Council funded ‘Restoring the Fair Go’ research initiative to bring together civil society, public servants, policy makers, and academics who seek to achieve policy change for a healthier and more equitable society.

Register here.

Homelessness Week 2023 – It's time to end homelessness
Homelessness Australia
17 - 23 August 2023

Every year, Homelessness Australia hosts Homelessness Week. This year the week will be held from Monday 7 August to Sunday 13 August 2023 with the theme "It time to end homelessness."

This theme was chosen because in 2023 the Federal Government will begin developing its 10-year housing and homelessness plan. This is a once in a generation opportunity to achieve the scope and scale of changes that are needed to end homelessness. But the Plan will only drive significant change, if the Government is ambitious about what can be achieved.

With your help Homelessness Australia can encourage the Government to adopt an ambitious aim for the 10-year housing and homelessness plan.

Download the supporter pack here.

Rural Women’s Gathering, Orange, NSW
25-27 August, 2023

Registrations are now open to attend the annual Rural Women’s Gathering being held in Orange, NSW.

The Rural Women’s Gathering, run by a local committee, and supported by the NSW Government, is an opportunity for women living in rural, regional and remote areas of NSW to come together and connect, network, celebrate and learn.

This year’s event will celebrate our 30th Anniversary and is being held in the location of the first gathering back in 1993. Traditionally, women from across rural NSW and from different walks of life attend to meet new people, learn new skills, visit new locations, and enjoy themselves and the company of other women.

More information here or here.

Hawkesbury Suicide Awareness Campaign Day
Friday 8th September 1pm to 5pm
EOI for local community groups and business groups

With Hawkesbury businesses and community providers, Hope4u Foundation is organising a Suicide Awareness Day in the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day (Sunday 10 September). Locals are encouraged to get involved and Hope4u Foundation is seeking Expressions of Interest.

Local providers include Flourish, Platform, Richmond Community Centre, Hawkesbury City Council, Peppercorn and Hawkesbury Women in Business.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed in more than 60 countries, with the aim of promoting stigma reduction, policy change, help seeking, and remembering those we have lost to suicide, those who have attempted suicide, those who are living with the grief of losing someone. Almost 10 million Australians know someone who has been impacted by suicide, that's almost half the country.

Hope4u foundation believe everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Access the EOI Form here

Trauma Informed Care
AbSec
24 - 23 July 2023, by Zoom

This interactive short course aims to equip workers with basic skills, knowledge, understanding, approaches and strategies to work effectively with survivors of past and current/ongoing trauma. In particular, this course will explore the way that complex trauma, caused by early childhood abuse and neglect, impacts survivors and outlines a number of principles and approaches for working in a trauma-informed way with children and families.

Additionally, there is a focus on understanding and responding to Aboriginal intergenerational trauma using both mainstream and traditional Aboriginal healing methods to optimise worker practice. Register here.

How to Handle a Conflict of Interest
Justice Connect - Not For-Profit-Law
1 August 2023, by Zoom

It’s inevitable that your not-for-profit organisation will encounter conflicts of interest along the way. Poorly managed, conflicts of interest can lead to internal dispute and negatively impact on your organisation’s reputation. This webinar will walk you through the basics of identifying and managing a conflict of interest.

In our popular Board Inductions webinar, we’ll help answer these questions and give you the foundations you need for good governance. Register here.

LivingWorks Suicide Prevention Skills Training Programs
Until 20 June, 2024

LivingWorks has been awarded state-wide funding by the NSW Ministry of Health, to enable every NSW community member to access suicide prevention skills training programs free of charge until June 20, 2024.

LivingWorks ASIST (2 Days, in-person)
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an international evidence-based suicide intervention skills training program. Participants learn to complete a full suicide first aid intervention, including a personalised safety plan. This training is said to be appropriate for wellbeing staff, counsellors, or anyone else who is regularly coming in contact with individuals/young people experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Also available as Indigenous- ASIST (I-ASIST) and LGBTIQ+ ASIST, with the same logistical requirements. Please note that I-ASIST also includes a community consultation of 2 hours on the day before the I-ASIST.

This training is fully funded for NSW residents. Download brochure here.

LivingWorks SafeTALK (4 hours, in-person)
SafeTALK empowers everyone to play a role in preventing suicide. Participants learn to identify someone who may have thoughts of suicide, ask the question about suicide directly and safely, and refer these individuals on to an ASIST trained caregiver or community safety connections. SafeTALK addresses common community perceptions and myths around suicide that prevent individuals from acting. SafeTALK can also provide an avenue to discuss internal processes, procedures and referral pathways within the organisation.

SafeTALK is also available as SafeYARN (for Indigenous communities – runs for 5 hours), and LGBTIQ+ SafeTALK with the same logistical requirements.

This training is fully funded for NSW residents. Download brochure here.

LivingWorks Start (90 mins self-paced, online)
Suicide alertness module. Participants learn how to identify individuals around them who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, ask the question directly and refer them on to safety connections. This training is evidence-based, and appropriate for anyone over the age of 15.

Download brochure here. Direct enquiries to Tim Day – tim@cooeeco.com.au.

Digital Sisters Program
Closing Date: 21 July 2023

Digital Sisters is a new digital inclusion program by Good Things Foundation Australia for refugee and migrant women. The program aims to empower women to build digital skills, confidence and connections in the Australian community.

With our partners, we are creating a digital literacy program for refugee and newly arrived migrant women aged 18 to 50 years. The program is being designed to be culturally appropriate and build skills and connections in local people, support services and communities.

We’re looking for 20 community partners to help us create this program and deliver digital skills support to refugee and migrant women in their community.

Participating organisations will receive $20,000 grant funding, training and support.

Good Things Foundation Australia is partnering with HOST International and our network of community organisations to deliver the Digital Sisters program. More information here.

NGO Service Development Grant Program for AOD Prevention, harm reduction and or/treatment services
Closing Date: 31 July 2023

The Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA) invites non-government organisations (including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations) that receive funding from NSW Health to deliver AOD prevention, harm reduction and/or treatment services (via the NSW Ministry of Health or Local Health Districts) to apply for funding under the NGO Service Development Grant Program.

The program enables eligible organisations to undertake projects to improve their operations and amenities to better respond to the current demand for AOD services and future needs of people seeking AOD support.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for one-off grants in one of three categories (up to $25,000 ex GST, up to $100,000 ex GST and up to $300,000 ex GST) for costs related to information technology, refurbishment, amenity upgrades, and equipment that will support organisations to meet the key objectives of the NSW Health Future Health report and enable alignment with priorities of the Ice Inquiry.

The total funding pool available is $5,880,000. More information (including application forms) here.

Policy Program Coordinator (Sydney CBD) - Mental Health Carers NSW - VIEW JOB

Peer Settlement Support Worker (Inner City Sydney) - YWCA - VIEW JOB

Family Support Worker - Moruya (South Coast) - Anglicare (Canberra/ACT) - VIEW JOB

Community Engagement and Caseworker - Redress Support Service (Sydney, Inner City/Inner West) - Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation - VIEW JOB

Elder Care Connector - Identified - (Sydney, Inner City/Inner West) - Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation - VIEW JOB

Elder Care Support Coordinator - Identified - (Sydney, Inner City/Inner West) - Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation - VIEW JOB