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17 October 2024
Breaking the Silence
This week marks 12 months since we, as a nation, missed the opportunity to confront our history and walk forward together with First Nations people. While those of us who consider ourselves allies have felt a sense of stasis since the referendum, the sadder reality is that over the past year the movement towards true reconciliation has actually been in retreat. Not only have we seen key Closing the Gap indictors backslide, we have witnessed governments around the country responding to complex challenges with the blunt instrument of locking Aboriginal children up. In NSW these measures have been particularly egregious: bail laws designed to reverse the presumption that children
should not be incarcerated; compounded by performative ‘boast and post’ laws that further restrict judicial discretion by making a single incident a double crime. As advocates like National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services chair Karly Warner have observed, these are just not punitive and kneejerk laws, they fly in the spirit of the idea of community-led policy development that these same governments purported to endorse at the referendum. The ‘Jailing is Failing’ report released last week by the Justice Reform Initiative charts the human cost of this loss of direction:
- 63 per cent of all children locked in prisons are First Nations children
- State and territory governments are 27 times more likely to imprison Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children compared to non-Indigenous children.
But every statistic is also a tragic story of historical injustice and institutional failure. One young woman who spoke at the launch, now in her mid-twenties, had clocked 72 charges against her since she was first jailed for stealing a car at the age of 12. This incredible young woman had been in the foster care system since birth and that first jailing occurred a week after her mother had committed suicide. Her incarceration was a clear breach of a broader duty of care that should be our collective commitment not just to First Nations children but to any young person. Today she is on a mission to become a youth worker and support the next generation of children avoid the trauma that she has endured. One insight from the young people who launched report was that the primary indicator of a child emerging from the criminal legal system is the presence of a key support person, often a social service
worker or volunteer. The breathtaking tragedy is that the child support system is so fragmented each child’s ability to make this connection becomes a matter of life-defining luck. NCOSS members working not just in First Nations communities but in a range of social services from early intervention, family preservation, foster-care and adoption, disability and housing services all have a critical role to play in providing the ballast these young people desperately need. Maranguka is one such initiative. Meaning ‘caring for others’ in Ngemba language the project is guided by the Bourke Tribal Council in partnership with Just Reinvest NSW.
Over ten years it has created a grassroots model to work with families as a group, rather than working with family members as individuals; tapping their connections while recognising the impact of intergenerational trauma. Of course, Indigenous incarceration is a wicked social problem with multiple points of intervention required. First, we need to
have our community development and primary prevention services funded to provide the supports these children need so they do not end up in systems which will only serve to alienate them. We also need a legal response in finally raising the age of criminal responsibility. It’s been instructive watching the media and politicians scramble to make children safe online, proposing all manner of radical intervention in social media platforms. Yet when it comes to protecting children against the clear brutalising effects of jail, they cannot muster the courage to stand up to the talkback bullies with evidence-based policy. Finally, governments need to reflect on their own support for the Voice 12 months ago and reflect on whether in the wake of this electoral defeat they have not allowed their moral core to be beaten as well.
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NCOSS Art Competition Winner
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Natalie Abraham is the winner of the NCOSS art competition this year. She is a 22-year-old Wadi Wadi/Wodi Wodi artist. Our three judges were impressed by the high quality of this beautiful design and how the artist statement fit with the theme of self-determination.
A big thank you to our judges — NCOSS Reconciliation Action Plan artist and member of our First Nations Partners and Advisors Group, Karlie Stewart and two NCOSS First Nations Directors, Jenni Beetson-Mortimer and John Leha.
Natalie said about her work, "In this artwork, the circles represent our communities — places of gathering, sharing, and support. The people surrounding each circle symbolise the strength we draw from one another as we come together, united in our purpose. The ripple effect of dots flowing outward shows how every act of community and self-determination creates lasting impacts for future generations. The darker blues represent moments of hardship and grief, while the vibrant colours signify hope, strength, and the determination to move forward."
Natalie has won $2500 and her design will become the cover of the NCOSS annual report this year. Congratulations to Natalie and thank you to everyone who entered our competition this year. We had so many strong entries and we were very pleased that almost half the entries came from people under the age of 18.
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Survey closes tomorrow - Sector Financial Sustainability
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Add your voice to the growing evidence that the sector urgently needs greater and ongoing support to keep resilient, and continue meeting the ever increasing needs of the communities they support.
Please take this 15 minute survey to share your organisation’s experience in managing the funding and service delivery costs in 2023-24. The survey will close 18 October.NCOSS will use your responses (deidentified in reports) to advocate for strengthening the sector, including through the Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty
initiative, and in its pre-budget submission for 2025-26.
The survey is for those in management roles who have knowledge of their organisations’ finances.
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The next Forum of Non Government Agencies will be held online on Friday, 25 October from 10am-12pm.
At this meeting we will hold a consultation on the NCOSS Pre Budget Submission. There will also be an opportunity for you to share what your organisation is working on.
It will be held over Zoom. To join the meeting, please email Sarah at sarah@ncoss.org.au.
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Week of Action for Community Services Workers
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Caption: Text reads 'National Week of Action for Community
and Disability Services.'
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The Australian Services Union is calling for a Week of Action in November as part of its campaign to update the SCHADS award.
The award classifications haven't changed for 30 years. The ASU says that the skills and
experience of community and disability workers need to be properly valued.
ASU members from across the community and disability sectors are coming together to unite workers and our sector in our call to update our award.
Events are taking place in Western Sydney, the Illawarra, the Blue Mountains, Newcastle and virtually. Find an event near you today.
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Overcoming Digital Exclusion
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Caption: A smiling woman with glasses holding a laptop computer. Text reads:
'The Economic Benefits of Overcoming Digital Exclusion'.
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Good Things Australia has commissioned a groundbreaking report into the Economic Benefits of Overcoming Digital Exclusion in Australia.
This is an in depth assessment of the impact that digital exclusion has on the Australian economy and the benefits that overcoming exclusion will have on individuals and society as a whole. The findings conservatively estimate that there are almost half a billion dollars in annual benefits available if appropriate digital inclusion training and financial support are delivered.
Read the full report here.
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Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Training for Human Service Providers SSI Ongoing, in person or online Register here
Based on more than 20 years’ experience as a leading provider of services to multicultural communities, SSI’s Diversity Training transforms how people respond to diversity in ways that are thought-provoking, inspire curiosity, and build confidence.
SSI Diversity Training has interactive workshops and self-paced e-learning that embeds the practical know-how of SSI's 20+ years' experience delivering culturally responsive services to the community.
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Anti-Poverty Week Webinar: The new frontier of exclusion – digital poverty
The Smith Family 18 October, Online
Free | Register here
Moderated by Doug Taylor, CEO The Smith Family, this session will spotlight practical solutions and innovative strategies from Australian organisations dedicated to addressing digital poverty.
Hear firsthand from experts (Wendy Field, Caroline McDaid, and Jessica Wilson) who are making strides in enhancing access to technology, improving digital literacy, and fostering greater online engagement.
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Domestic & Family Violence and Centrelink Welfare Rights Centre 22 October, online Free | Register here
This free webinar
outlines income support available to victims and survivors of domestic and family violence, including Parenting Payment, JobSeeker Payment, Crisis Payment and Special Benefit.
Speakers cover how to establish entitlement to payment, timeframes for claiming, residential qualifications, and presumptions of shared income under the Member of a Couple rule.
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Little Minds, Adult Lives Australians for Mental Health 23 October, NSW Parliament Free | Register here
Join us as we explore the connection between our lives as children and our experience of mental health and wellbeing as adults. On the back of groundbreaking research conducted by the University of Sydney Matilda Centre, our panel of experts will explore how nurturing little lives, including through the child protection system, is essential to lifelong mental wellbeing. The
panel of speakers includes Cara Varian CEO, NSW Council of Social Services.
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Navigating Leaving Care and After Care FACSIAR 29 October, Online Free | Register here
In this webinar, researchers, Professor Melissa O’Donnell and
Dr Lauren Parsons will present findings from a recent longitudinal study of young people transitioning from care highlighting specific pathways that may be influential to a range of post-care outcomes.
Scott Wheeler and Melissa Pearce from the Department of Communities and Justice will present and discuss the various leaving and after care services available for NSW care leavers and how frontline workers can best guide young people through transition planning and aftercare.
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Navigating Boundaries and Difficult Conversations LEAD 30 October, Rooty Hill Novotel $55 - $90 | Register here
In community services, where the lines between professional and personal lives often intersect, it’s easy for boundaries to become blurred.
The very
qualities that make you a compassionate and nurturing service provider can also leave you susceptible to blurring, especially when coupled with fatigue. Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for the safety and respect of both you and your clients.
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Youth Work Conference Youth Action 31 October - 1 November, Dubbo $180 - $350 | Register here
Registrations for the Listen, Learn & Celebrate NSW Youth Work Conference and Awards are open!
The conference will have professional development sessions with a focus on youth work practice, youth work research, policy and advocacy and management.
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LEAD Celebrating 40 Years LEAD 22 November, Bicentennial Park $120 - $850 | Register here
Celebrate LEAD’s 40th
Anniversary Celebration Gala Dinner, an evening dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions of the community sector workforce.
This milestone event promises to be a memorable occasion filled with fun, gratitude, inspiration, and forward-looking aspirations.
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Community Housing Energy Performance grant Closing Date: 1 November 2024
The NSW Government will provide up to $18.3 million is available for eligible Community Housing Providers (CHPs) to provide energy performance upgrades at the homes that they own and/or manage.
CHPs that are successful through the grant funding application process will choose which properties they upgrade, and the type of upgrades installed.
For more information, please visit the grant information page.
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Pride Foundation Australia Small Grants Closing Date: 18 November 2024
The Small Grants program supports projects proposed by individuals and or organisations and or
communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs.
The maximum grant has been increased to $1000 in 2022 and there will be more grants awarded (if successful) each round. The project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
For more information, please visit the grant information page.
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Caption: Text reading "Closing Soon!"
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Endeavour Energy Powering Communities Grant Closing Date: 20 October 2024
This grant is for programs that support inclusiveness, equity and diversity or increase energy literacy amongst the community or support the health and wellbeing of our community.
Or programs that support the community to plan for, withstand and recover from extreme weather events or help the community to manage disruptive events.
For more information, please visit the grant information page.
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Connecting Seniors Grant Program Closing Date: 21 October 2024
The grant program aims to support older people to connect with others and address the challenges that contribute to isolation for older people. The grant program is available for projects and initiatives that support people aged 65 years and over, and Aboriginal people aged 50 years and over.
For more information, please visit the grant information page.
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Some of the latest from our Jobs Board:
Child & Adolescent Counsellor (Armidale) - NSW STARTTS - VIEW JOB
Domestic and Family Violence Case Worker (Inner West Sydney) - The Gender Centre - VIEW JOB
Official Community Visitor (NSW-wide) - Ageing and Disability Commission - VIEW JOB
MCRN Manager (Blue Mountains) - Mountains Community Resource Network - VIEW JOB
Communications Lead (Sydney CBD) - LGBTIQ+ Health Australia - VIEW JOB
Community Engagement Officer (Sydney CBD) - Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW - VIEW JOB
Family Connection and Mentor Support Worker (South West Sydney) - Anglicare - VIEW JOB
Team Leader (Western Sydney) - ACON Health - VIEW
JOB
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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, 28 October 2024.
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NCOSS gratefully acknowledges the support of
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Share our eNews to your communities
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