Thursday, May 31, 2007

Governance Course

Our Community and BSI Learning have established a nationally recognised governance qualification – the Certificate IV in Business (Governance) – which equips both new and existing board and committee members to more confidently and effectively face today’s challenging environment. A combination of workshops, workbooks and in-practice assessment ensures that attendees put into practice what is delivered in the course.
The course centres on a unique community development model, ensuring its relevance to every community organisation. It imparts the full gamut of practical skills – from core fiduciary duties through to risk management to fundraising and financial management.
The four day course will be held in Sydney on June 18-21 2007 at:
Holiday Inn Darling Harbour68 Harbour StreetDarling Harbour SydneyRoom: Dickson Room
For further information and to register, please go to:
www.ourcommunity.com.au/certificateiv
Any questions may be directed to Our Community’s Director of Training and Development, Mr Patrick Moriarty, on telephone (03) 9320 6805 or email patrickm@ourcommunity.com.au.
Kind regards
DR RHONDA GALBALLY AO Chief Executive Officer

Microsoft unlimited Course

Links to Learning / Unlimited Potential Computer Course
Starting May 23rd
2 Days a week
Duration 8 weeks
Late Referrals accepted
15 to 18 Yrs of age, Guys & Girls

In this program you can learn basic computer skills to multimedia &
web design.

Skills such as:

Word Processing skills
Using spreadsheets to create budgets
Amateur movie editing
Digital media
And much more…

For More Details
Contact
Greg Brown
Links Coordinator
Ph: 6651 9961
Mbl: 0423268743
Email: coffsyouth@pcycnsw.org.au

Mental Health Week 2007

Mental Health Week NSW 2007 – Relationships in the Community

What is it?

Mental Health Week is part of a national mental health promotion campaign held in early October each year. MHW 2007 marks the third stage in the Mental Health Association’s mental health promotion “Relationships” campaign. This year, our focus is on Relationships in the Community – promoting the importance of maintaining positive, healthy relationships with our community for the benefit of our overall mental health and wellbeing.

When is it?

National MHW 2007 will take place from Sunday October 7th – Saturday October 13th. Stress Less day will be held on Wednesday October 10th and coincides with World Mental Health Day. The launch of Mental Health Week in NSW will be held in Martin Place, Sydney CBD, at lunchtime on October 10th and you are invited to join us there.

Please find links to:

v A nomination form for the Mental Health Matters Awards is available at http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns/awards.htm Nominations close 6th August 2007.

v An application form for the MHW Small Grants Program is available at
http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns/applygrantactive.htm Applications close 23rd July 2007.

v View and order our free resources http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns/viewresources.htm Deadline for orders is 20th August 2007

v This year you can also purchase t-shirts, mugs, keyrings, frisbees and more for sale for fundraising or for your own use http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/cart/shop/merchandise.htm

v Download the rest of the starter kit including tips on how to run your own mental health week events http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns/starterkit.htm


By signing up for our internet newsletter at: www.mentalhealth.asn.au/contact/newsletter.htm you can keep up with the latest information about Mental Health Week.

Please help us to get the word out about MHW by passing this information on to your colleagues, friends and family.

Kind regards,

Marietta Davis
Mental Health Promotion Manager
Mental Health Association NSW
Level 5, 80 William Street
East Sydney NSW 2011
Ph: 9339 6000
Fax: 9339 6066
promoadmin@mentalhealth.asn.au

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Post Natal Dression Group

Are you the mother of a beautiful new baby?

BUT……. Are you feeling low, anxious, tearful?

Many mothers have mood swings after the birth of a baby. However, postnatal depression (PND) lasts more than a week or two and interferes with normal life - including caring for baby. PND can affect any new mother.
There is help! Come along & learn some skills to help you and baby.
Beyond Birth
A free group - run by Verity Stoker

(Psychologist, Stoker & Associates Psychological Services)

Childcare provided
(Bookings essential for childcare – 66515774 – gold coin donation)

Coffs Ex-Services Club
Begins Wednesday, July 18, 2007
10am – 12noon


· ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR MORE INFORMATION
All enquiries - Mid North Coast Division of General Practice 66515774

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Immigration Officers to Visit

Australian Government
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will be visiting the North Coast in the week of
5 – 8 June 2007. For appointments see below.

Wednesday 6 June
9.00am to 3.00pm
Interviews at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre,
22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour

For appointments telephone 9893 4778

Monday, May 21, 2007

Building Cultural Competence Capacity

Please distribute this email and attached flyer to your network. Thank you.

I like to take this opportunity to introduce MDAA's (Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association)Building cultural competence capacity" project. This is a DADHC funded project.
Part of the work of the project is to conduct training in the country and rural area.
The training will be held in Tamworth, Coffs Harbour and Lismore in the first week of July.

This one day training course for workers in the NGO sector who work with people with disabilities. It aims to enhance the workers cultural competence by enabling them to provide better quality service to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with disability and their carers .

The learning outcomes for participants will be:
To identify cultural differences and similarities in understanding disability and caring
Identify the key communities in the communities you serve
Work effectively face to face interpreters
Clarify your understanding of key concepts across cultures in disability and caring.
Identify key strategies for working cross-culturally
Program Outline:

Understanding disability and caring in a culturally diverse community
Cross-cultural communication
Who lives in the community I serve?
Working with diversity

COST: Free and Lunch will be provided

Registration:
To register, participants will need to fill out a pre survey at least 7 days prior to the training. Limited places are available so it is important to register sooner rather than later
The registration and pre- survey are located on the www.mdaa.org.au website under "events", or http://www.mdaa.org.au/service/industry/country.html

We would be grateful if you could assist us in in promoting these training sessions in your area and through your networks.

Please feel free to call me , Joyce, on 9891 6400 if you have any further queries

Best regards,

Joyce van Akkeren
Trainer/ Community Development Worker
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW
PO BOX 9381
Harris Park, NSW 2150

Monday, May 14, 2007

Super Strategies for Successful Students - Information Morning

We are going to have a short information morning for local families, those staying for the Spina Bifida Clinic and professionals to launch and explain more about the new information CD

“Super Strategies for Successful Students”

It is a resource CD for parents and teachers and has been put together by Alison Jones Head OT from Westmead Childrens Hospital & Angela Wilson a school teacher. It is full of helpful strategies and suggestions to help teach many of the tasks that the young people need to learn.

What: Hydrocephalus morning followed by Am. Tea

Where: Northcott office 31 Bonville St Coffs Harbour

When: 9.30-10.30am, Friday 1st June

RSVP: ASAP to Steph Cooper/Margaret Franks
PH 6651 2366 by Monday May 28
Cost: CD will be available to purchase for $25

ABS Data - New releases

Links to any ABS products related to your subscription appear below. ABS products are now available free of charge on the ABS web site. Charges may apply for products in hard copy format that are mailed to you. For information on purchasing hard copy products, see below.

4722.0.55.001 The health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: A snapshot, 2004-05 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4722.0.55.001?OpenDocument

4722.0.55.003 Law and justice statistics - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a snapshot, 2002 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4722.0.55.003?OpenDocument

Living with Memory Loss - Woolgoolga - Bookings Essential

The national Living with Memory Loss Program is an initiative of Alzheimer’s Australia and is funded by the Australian Government. This education and support program aims to maximise the health and well-being of people living with early stage dementia, and their carers.

Would you like a better understanding of what is happening to you and be
able to talk to others going through a similar experience?

In a group format, participants have the opportunity to:

· Tell their story of memory loss
· Reflect on the impact of their diagnosis
· Develop an understanding of the importance of self-care
· Enhance their skills for communication with others, and for problem-solving
· Extend their knowledge about legal and financial issues

This program is FREE OF CHARGE.

· It runs for 7 weeks on the same day each week.
· Each session runs in the morning for 2 hours.
· Light refreshments are included at no charge.

Please ring Glenda Hipwell
1300 791 751 or email ghipwell@alznsw.asn.au

Bookings are essential

Friday, May 11, 2007

Management and Employment Relations Conference

Sex Discrimination
******************************************
19th Women, Management and Employment Relations Conference, 2 - 3 August 2007
******************************************
11 May 2007
19th Women, Management and Employment Relations Conference
2-3 August 2007, Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney
Sponsored by Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, this conference is presented by Macquarie University and provides an annual audit of the key issues confronting women in the workplace.
Key themes in 2007 include:
- EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS, LEADERSHIP,
- FINANCE, SUPERANNUATION AND WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY.
Keynote addresses include:
- Julia Gillard, MP
- Nanda Pok, Director of Women for Prosperity in Cambodia.
Dr Clare Burton Scholarship: This Scholarship provides free attendance at the Women’s Conference. To be eligible to apply candidates must be currently engaged in higher education in the study of equity or diversity.
For more information see: www.lmsf.mq.edu.au/wmer, phone: 02 9850 8985 or email: pam.morpeth@efs.mq.edu.au

Change of Start Day - Grief & Loss

Could you please send around the referral form for the Grief & Loss Group with the flyer. As yet we do not have enough referrals. We have changed start date to 21st May so there will now only be 3 sessions. If we don't get some more referrals by Monday 14th May we will have to cancel the group. Thanks so much Carole.
Regards Marcia

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Recipe for Success at Woolgoolga

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)'s Program RECIPE FOR SUCCESS™ - being held in WOOLGOOLGA Mon 28th to Wed 30th May 2007 - Offering 3 parent sessions & a Professional Development Session for professionals working with parents of children with an ASD or other disability, to gain useful and practical strategies and understandings which may assist in their work with their families.
I am unable to forward the original attachments (mailbox size too small) - so please find an overview/excerpts attached with contact details or you can email Lexi Duffy (lexiduffy@aapt.net.au ) for registration forms.

<> Many thanks, Sandy

Sandy Gray - Carer Support Officer Community Health Coffs Harbour Health Campus Locked Bag 812 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph 6656 7226 Fax 6656 7817 sgray@mncahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Homelessness Audit Report 2007

Joint Youth Accommodation Association, HomelessnessNSW.ACT and NCOSS Media Release
2 May 2007
Leadership needed from the Premier on a homelessness strategy

HomelesnessNSW.ACT, the Youth Accommodation Association and the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) today welcome the release of the Audit Office’s performance audit Responding to Homelessness.

The report concludes that the Government needs to develop a statewide framework that outlines its response to homelessness with a clear focus on the results it wants to achieve.

“The Auditor General’s conclusions are in line with the views that the sector has been putting to the NSW government for a considerable amount of time” said Michelle Burrell, Acting Director, NCOSS.

“NSW needs a 10 year Homelessness Strategy led by the Premier. We have seen in other areas such as mental health, domestic violence and disability a significant increase in the service planning and responsiveness following active leadership by the Premier” said Ms Burrell.

“Whilst current efforts under the Partnership Against Homelessness are welcome, they are no replacement for a well resourced 10 year homelessness strategy sitting at the heart of the State Plan” she added.

“No one government agency acting alone can address the multitude of issues that are present for individuals or families that are homeless” said Michael Coffey, Executive Officer of the Youth Accommodation Association.

“The community will only be able to effectively deal with homelessness when the Government develops a robust service system rather than disjointed projects and planning mechanisms. A comprehensive homelessness strategy for NSW is required that is developed on a cross departmental basis, in partnership with the non government sector” said Sue Cripps, Executive Officer of HomelessnessNSW.ACT.

“The failure to consider the impact of domestic violence as a key reason for homelessness is a significant oversight in the Auditor General’s report” added Ms Cripps.

As Premier Iemma said in his Anti Poverty Week speech on 18 October 2006, “homelessness is not just an inner-city problem, nor is it just about people sleeping on the street. It is a structural problem for society as a whole – for governments, for business, for planners and economists, for developers – as well as those caring for the homeless. Tackling homelessness and all the misery and insecurity that go with it is the primary thrust in our efforts against poverty”.

“We look to the Premier to take the lead in developing and endorsing a Homelessness Strategy for NSW” they said.


For further information and media interviews:

Michelle Burrell NCOSS - mobile 0427 951 355
Sue Cripps HomelessnessNSW.ACT - mobile 0417 112 311
Michael Coffey Youth Accommodation Association - mobile 0425 228 758

For a copy of the Audit Office report Responding to Homelessness go to:

http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/publications/reports/performance/2007/homeless/homeless-contents.htm

Monday, May 7, 2007

Carers Support Service

GRANDPARENT & KINSHIP CARERS
SUPPORT SERVICE
Presents
Grandparent/Kinship Carers and the Law
May 15th
10 am – 1 pm
For many reasons, a number of grandparents and kinship Carers are raising their grandchildren or relatives full time. This Seminar is designed for Service providers as well as Clients and will address the major issues surrounding grandparent’s/Kinship Carers rights and legal responsibilities concerning the raising of Grandchildren, siblings or nieces and nephews.

Grandparent & Family Law Issues
· Grandparents rights and responsibilities ·Gaining Access
· Family Breakdowns ·The Family Law Court
Simon Caldwell - Family Law Solicitor – MBT Lawyers

Grandparents Providing for their Grandchildren
· Wills & Testamentary Trusts ·Other Trusts
· Pitfalls ·Some Case Studies
Col Gray - Branch Manager Public Trustee Lismore (02) 6621 8677

Maintaining Relationships
Interrelate – Coffs Harbour

Where to from Now
· Current Government Policy ·Benefits available
· Recognising Grandparents Needs ·Information & Services available
Prue Fairlie, Project Officer, Information & Support Grandparenting, COTA

WHERE: The Boambee East Community Centre
RSVP – Tuesday 8th of May
Morning Tea Provided - Gold Coin Donation appreciated

Grief Workshop

GOOD GRIEF

Finding a Path to Healing

“Grief work is not about forgetting, getting over, moving on from, but rather
Good Grief, Charlie Brown finding ways of living with mastering our new reality”
(Judy Dunsmore 2002)

WHEN :
Monday 14th May, 2007 3.00 - 4.30
Monday 21st May, 2007 3.00 - 4.30
Monday 28th May, 2007 3.00 - 4.30
Monday 4th June, 2007 3.00 - 4.30

WHERE : Coffs Harbour Health Campus
Education Room 25
Enter through main entrance & turn left
and left again)
AGE : 14 – 18
TRANSPORT : Own transport must be provided.
Proposed Content for Workshop :
Ø Journey work - share stories/timeline
Ø Explore different types of loss
Ø Express feelings
Ø Spirituality – Mask work
Ø Making sense of the loss
Ø Art Therapy
Ø Memory Books
Ø Moving On

NO COST AFTERNOON TEA PROVIDED

If interested, please contact Marcia 66 567916 or Louise 66 567915 by Tuesday, 8th May as numbers are limited.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

NCOSS Conference

Getting It AcrossImproving the Community Sectors' Profile and Visibility
NCOSS Sector Development Seminar
28 May 2007
Citigate Sebel Sydney Hotel, 28 Albion St, Surry Hills
This seminar will explore the issue of the community sector’s public profile and visibility, and its many implications.
Getting Staff: attracting and keeping quality staff
Getting Resources: attracting funding and strong partnerships
Getting Attention: being recognised and valued as a legitimate and expert voice
Getting Change: influencing public policy and community awareness
Three guest speakers will discuss the significance of our profile and its impact on our capacity.
Dr Nicole Highet, Deputy CEO, Beyond Blue
Martin Stewart-Weeks, Third Sector consultant, analyst and writer
Brett de Hoedt, Mayor of Hootville, Hootville Communications
Please join us for this pre-AGM seminar:
when: Monday 28 May 2007
time: 2:00pm- 4:00 pm
where: Citigate Sebel, 28 Albion St, Surry Hills
Registration (5kb word doc download)
For more information:
ph: (02) 9211 2599 ext 101email: craig@ncoss.org.au


Catherine Mahony
Deputy Director, Sector Development
New South Wales Council of Social Service
(02) 92112599 ext 110
catherine@ncoss.org.au
66 Albion St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
www.ncoss.org.au