PRESS RELEASE – TRAIN THE HELPER DAY
“Surfers helping surfers”
The Disabled Surfers Association is starting up a branch on the Mid North Coast, and is putting out the call for all people to get involved and let everyone experience the joy and absolute “stoke” that the ocean and beach environment provide. With helpers such as Taj Barrow, Barton Lynch, Nick Carroll & Damien Lovelock you know that where getting involved in something amazing.
The train the helper day is on Saturday the 28th of July from 9am at Sawtell SLSC and cost is absolutely free. It is open to anyone, young or old, surfer of non-surfer alike, who has an interest in giving up a morning at least once a year, to help any disabled have a safe surf, in waist deep water. You’ll be professionally trained (for free), along with everyone else, before attending your first event.
Made up mainly of surfers, the DSA is a totally independent and voluntary organisation, helping people with all types of disabilities to enjoy a safe surfing experience for the past 21 years. Now, in 2007 there are 11 active branches across Australia in all states.
The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 by Gary Blaschke after a motorcycle accident which he lost his knee cap and under went extensive rehabilitation.
Gary saw a void that needed to be filled as over the years, many surfers with disabilities have unfortunately, been loners with no one to help them get back into the water. Many suffer from disabilities that the general public would not consider a disability.
From asthmatics to joint injuries to paraplegic, many members have found friendship, support and have renewed their interest in surfing. Gary's vision quickly extended to all classes of disabilities, as it is today.
So come down to the train the helper day, have a bag of fun and let’s put something back into the community and put smiles on dials. Also the branch is after any old wetsuit that can be donated to our branch… all wetsuits of any size will greatly be accepted, Please ring Bryn Goode (0401 477 612) for more information.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Carers Course
Carer’s Course (Dementia) to be held in Coffs Harbour & Nambucca Heads on:
Mondays 20 & 27 August and 3 & 10 September 2007 9:00 am – 11.30 am Cavanbah Hall, 191b Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour
Mondays 20 & 27 August and 3 & 10 September 2007 1:00 pm – 3.30 pm Nambucca Heads RSL Nelson Street Nambucca Heads
Sessions will cover: Day 1 The Nature of Dementia Day 2 Effective communication and activities Day 3 Understanding and responding effectively to behaviours of concern Day 4 The impact of dementia and planning
These courses are free of charge, to family carers and friends directly involved in the care or support of a person with dementia, and are being run by and will be presented by
Alzheimer's Australia
Morning or afternoon tea will be provided
Registration is essential For further information &/or a registration form, please contact: 1300 791 751 or email regionalevents@alznsw.asn.au
Please ring 1800 059 059 if respite care is needed
WillAid Health Care Equipment Inservice Training - Tuesday 24th July 2007 2 – 3.30 pm
Ring to confirm attendance Trish or Brian 6651 7900
Family Advocacy’s First International Conference - The Odyssey will be held on 25 and 26 October 2007
in central Sydney and brochures and registration forms will be distributed in July For more information about the speakers or conference topics: email conference@family-advocacy.com or phone 1800 620 588 (NSW non metro callers). The Institute of Family Advocacy and Leadership Development e-mail: familyadvocacy@family-advocacy.com web: www.family-advocacy.com Please feel free to pass this on to your networks contacts as organisations may wish to consider sponsoring families within their organisation.
Supports, Information, Courses & Free Counselling services for people living with dementia. For further information on any of the following, contact:
Kerry Bowden kbowden@alznsw.asn.a Dementia & Memory Community Centre Alzheimer’s Australia NSW – Port Macquarie Shop 2, 146-150 Gordon Street PO Box 2577Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Ph: 02 6584 7444 Fax: 02 6584 7144 www.alzheimers.org.au
Alzheimer’s Australia, NSW professional and organizational membership Benefits of includes access to dementia care courses, professional development, training and education, and access to the latest research, policy and service development. Members receive:
discounts on dementia care courses and workshops
Subscription to The Dementia Educator
Subscription to In Touch
Library & Information Services
Online Library Catalogue
Living with Memory Loss Program. This very valuable program will be organised across the Mid North Coast communities over the next 12 months The program is for people in the early stages of dementia and their carers. For further enquiries contact Glenda Hipwell on 02 6584 7444
Mind your Mind - Alzheimer’s Australia’s will be running it’s highly successful community education program Mind your Mind on the Mid-north Coast.
Free Counselling services are continuing across the Mid-North Coast with sessions available at Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Macksville. This free service offers face-to-face and phone counselling with a qualified psychologist sensitive to the unique issues facing people living with dementia. For appointments phone: 02 6584 7444
Cheers,
Sandy
Sandy Gray Carer Support Officer c/- Community Health Coffs Harbour Health Campus Locked Bag 812 / 345 Pacific Hwy phone 66567226 fax 66567817 email sgray@mncahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Mondays 20 & 27 August and 3 & 10 September 2007 9:00 am – 11.30 am Cavanbah Hall, 191b Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour
Mondays 20 & 27 August and 3 & 10 September 2007 1:00 pm – 3.30 pm Nambucca Heads RSL Nelson Street Nambucca Heads
Sessions will cover: Day 1 The Nature of Dementia Day 2 Effective communication and activities Day 3 Understanding and responding effectively to behaviours of concern Day 4 The impact of dementia and planning
These courses are free of charge, to family carers and friends directly involved in the care or support of a person with dementia, and are being run by and will be presented by
Alzheimer's Australia
Morning or afternoon tea will be provided
Registration is essential For further information &/or a registration form, please contact: 1300 791 751 or email regionalevents@alznsw.asn.au
Please ring 1800 059 059 if respite care is needed
WillAid Health Care Equipment Inservice Training - Tuesday 24th July 2007 2 – 3.30 pm
Ring to confirm attendance Trish or Brian 6651 7900
Family Advocacy’s First International Conference - The Odyssey will be held on 25 and 26 October 2007
in central Sydney and brochures and registration forms will be distributed in July For more information about the speakers or conference topics: email conference@family-advocacy.com or phone 1800 620 588 (NSW non metro callers). The Institute of Family Advocacy and Leadership Development e-mail: familyadvocacy@family-advocacy.com web: www.family-advocacy.com Please feel free to pass this on to your networks contacts as organisations may wish to consider sponsoring families within their organisation.
Supports, Information, Courses & Free Counselling services for people living with dementia. For further information on any of the following, contact:
Kerry Bowden kbowden@alznsw.asn.a Dementia & Memory Community Centre Alzheimer’s Australia NSW – Port Macquarie Shop 2, 146-150 Gordon Street PO Box 2577Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Ph: 02 6584 7444 Fax: 02 6584 7144 www.alzheimers.org.au
Alzheimer’s Australia, NSW professional and organizational membership Benefits of includes access to dementia care courses, professional development, training and education, and access to the latest research, policy and service development. Members receive:
discounts on dementia care courses and workshops
Subscription to The Dementia Educator
Subscription to In Touch
Library & Information Services
Online Library Catalogue
Living with Memory Loss Program. This very valuable program will be organised across the Mid North Coast communities over the next 12 months The program is for people in the early stages of dementia and their carers. For further enquiries contact Glenda Hipwell on 02 6584 7444
Mind your Mind - Alzheimer’s Australia’s will be running it’s highly successful community education program Mind your Mind on the Mid-north Coast.
Free Counselling services are continuing across the Mid-North Coast with sessions available at Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Macksville. This free service offers face-to-face and phone counselling with a qualified psychologist sensitive to the unique issues facing people living with dementia. For appointments phone: 02 6584 7444
Cheers,
Sandy
Sandy Gray Carer Support Officer c/- Community Health Coffs Harbour Health Campus Locked Bag 812 / 345 Pacific Hwy phone 66567226 fax 66567817 email sgray@mncahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
ACOSS Action Network
Please send a message to your local Member of Parliament on effective and proven action to stop Aboriginal child abuse and disadvantage.
The Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the NT (CAO), representing over 40 Aboriginal organisations, encourage Australians to support them by sending a message to their Members of Parliament. The CAO released a paper on proven and effective responses to tackle child abuse and disadvantage on July 10.
When Parliament considers legislation to protect children in the Northern Territory please ask them to consult with Aboriginal communities and develop plans for working with them. You can ask your MP to support the expansion of programs that have already been proven to work, and ensure that the hard fought land rights of Indigenous people remain in place.
Please click through to send a message to your MP. Visit http://www.acoss.org.au/Action.aspx
Kind Regards
The ACOSS Action Network Team
The Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the NT (CAO), representing over 40 Aboriginal organisations, encourage Australians to support them by sending a message to their Members of Parliament. The CAO released a paper on proven and effective responses to tackle child abuse and disadvantage on July 10.
When Parliament considers legislation to protect children in the Northern Territory please ask them to consult with Aboriginal communities and develop plans for working with them. You can ask your MP to support the expansion of programs that have already been proven to work, and ensure that the hard fought land rights of Indigenous people remain in place.
Please click through to send a message to your MP. Visit http://www.acoss.org.au/Action.aspx
Kind Regards
The ACOSS Action Network Team
Area Assistance Scheme
AREA ASSISTANCE SCHEME 2008 FUNDING
Are you an incorporated, non-profit community organisation or local Council with a community project idea that requires funding?
The Area Assistance Scheme, administered by the Department of Community Services, provides funding for innovative, self-help projects and partnerships that improve social and community infrastructure.
Details are available from www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/aas. Contact the Senior Regional Strategies Officer - Funded Programs at the North Coast Regional Office (6641 2445) or the Community Project Officer at your local Council for a registration code.
The Scheme opens 4 August and closes 5.00pm, on 5 September 2007
For more information visit the website at http://www2.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/funding/2433.html
Lulu Davis
Community Development Worker
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
P.O Box 84
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Ph: 6581 8545
Fax: 6581 8033
maya.spannari@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Are you an incorporated, non-profit community organisation or local Council with a community project idea that requires funding?
The Area Assistance Scheme, administered by the Department of Community Services, provides funding for innovative, self-help projects and partnerships that improve social and community infrastructure.
Details are available from www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/aas. Contact the Senior Regional Strategies Officer - Funded Programs at the North Coast Regional Office (6641 2445) or the Community Project Officer at your local Council for a registration code.
The Scheme opens 4 August and closes 5.00pm, on 5 September 2007
For more information visit the website at http://www2.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/funding/2433.html
Lulu Davis
Community Development Worker
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
P.O Box 84
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Ph: 6581 8545
Fax: 6581 8033
maya.spannari@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Friday, July 13, 2007
SACS Award
SACS AWARD: Act now to ensure the Commonwealth pays its fair share
On March 3rd 2006 the NSW Industrial Relations Commission awarded a 3.5% increase in award wages for SACS workers each year for the next three years. These increases were payable from the 1st of July in 2006, 2007, 2008. These increases are fair and reasonable and have been granted under the laws of the State of NSW.
These increases in wages must be paid by every service covered by the SACS Award (unless the organisation has its own Enterprise Bargaining Agreement which excludes the Award rates of pay).
Each year the Commonwealth and State Governments supplement or index grants to non government organisations. These increases are designed to meet the increased costs of wages and of inflation.
Current situation
In 2006-07, following a strong campaign from the sector, the NSW Government agreed to provide 3.3% indexation to all State funded services, including the State portion of programs jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the State. For HACC services, 3.3% for services was negotiated through the HACC State plan, but the Commonwealth’s share was taken out of growth. The Commonwealth did not provide indexation at a level that would meet SACS increases.
In 2007-08, we have been advised that all NSW Government departments that fund NGOs subject to the SACS Award will:
Provide 3.3% in 07-08 in all State only funding programs (including CSTDA) to NGOs, commencing from 1 July 2007.
Provide 3.3% in 06-07 in Commonwealth-State funding programs to NGOs for the portion of the program that is funded by the State (eg SAAP, Community Legal Centres but does not include HACC). This commences on 1 July 2007. NSW will also lobby the Commonwealth to match for its portion to the full 3.3%.
DADHC will include 3.3% indexation in their funding plans for programs jointly funded by NSW and the Commonwealth on an agreed matched formula (eg Home and Community Care Program).
The Commonwealth is not providing indexation at a level that would meet the SACS award (in SAAP, for example, indexation remains at 2.15% for the Commonwealth share).
The commitment of NSW will significantly assist the NGO sector in lobbying the Commonwealth to match the 3.3% State contribution. It also places the State in a more principled negotiation position and provides at least some certainty to organizations facing salary increases from 1 July.
This victory is due to the efforts of organisations, workers and service users in the weeks running up to the state budget. Now we need to put the same effort into lobbying the Commonwealth to at least match this level of indexation.
Our task
We need to stress to the Commonwealth that our demand for a minimum 3.3% indexation is simply about adequately funding the real cost of community services.
The message is that if they do not provide 3.3% indexation, services will need to be reduced. The blame for this will rest solely with the Commonwealth because the NSW Government is willing to pay its fair share.
We need to work together to get that commitment from the Commonwealth government.
Click on the link below to open the campaign kit – let’s work together to secure a minimum 3.3%!
http://www.ncoss.org.au/hot/sacs/SACS-Funding-Comm-Campaign-Kit-July07.pdf
If you can’t open this link, go to the NCOSS website www.ncoss.org.au and click on link “SACS Award Commonwealth Funding Campaign Kit” on the front page.
Regards
Linda Frow
Acting Director
NCOSS
66 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Ph: 9211 2599 Ext 111
email: lindaf@ncoss.org.au
On March 3rd 2006 the NSW Industrial Relations Commission awarded a 3.5% increase in award wages for SACS workers each year for the next three years. These increases were payable from the 1st of July in 2006, 2007, 2008. These increases are fair and reasonable and have been granted under the laws of the State of NSW.
These increases in wages must be paid by every service covered by the SACS Award (unless the organisation has its own Enterprise Bargaining Agreement which excludes the Award rates of pay).
Each year the Commonwealth and State Governments supplement or index grants to non government organisations. These increases are designed to meet the increased costs of wages and of inflation.
Current situation
In 2006-07, following a strong campaign from the sector, the NSW Government agreed to provide 3.3% indexation to all State funded services, including the State portion of programs jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the State. For HACC services, 3.3% for services was negotiated through the HACC State plan, but the Commonwealth’s share was taken out of growth. The Commonwealth did not provide indexation at a level that would meet SACS increases.
In 2007-08, we have been advised that all NSW Government departments that fund NGOs subject to the SACS Award will:
Provide 3.3% in 07-08 in all State only funding programs (including CSTDA) to NGOs, commencing from 1 July 2007.
Provide 3.3% in 06-07 in Commonwealth-State funding programs to NGOs for the portion of the program that is funded by the State (eg SAAP, Community Legal Centres but does not include HACC). This commences on 1 July 2007. NSW will also lobby the Commonwealth to match for its portion to the full 3.3%.
DADHC will include 3.3% indexation in their funding plans for programs jointly funded by NSW and the Commonwealth on an agreed matched formula (eg Home and Community Care Program).
The Commonwealth is not providing indexation at a level that would meet the SACS award (in SAAP, for example, indexation remains at 2.15% for the Commonwealth share).
The commitment of NSW will significantly assist the NGO sector in lobbying the Commonwealth to match the 3.3% State contribution. It also places the State in a more principled negotiation position and provides at least some certainty to organizations facing salary increases from 1 July.
This victory is due to the efforts of organisations, workers and service users in the weeks running up to the state budget. Now we need to put the same effort into lobbying the Commonwealth to at least match this level of indexation.
Our task
We need to stress to the Commonwealth that our demand for a minimum 3.3% indexation is simply about adequately funding the real cost of community services.
The message is that if they do not provide 3.3% indexation, services will need to be reduced. The blame for this will rest solely with the Commonwealth because the NSW Government is willing to pay its fair share.
We need to work together to get that commitment from the Commonwealth government.
Click on the link below to open the campaign kit – let’s work together to secure a minimum 3.3%!
http://www.ncoss.org.au/hot/sacs/SACS-Funding-Comm-Campaign-Kit-July07.pdf
If you can’t open this link, go to the NCOSS website www.ncoss.org.au and click on link “SACS Award Commonwealth Funding Campaign Kit” on the front page.
Regards
Linda Frow
Acting Director
NCOSS
66 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Ph: 9211 2599 Ext 111
email: lindaf@ncoss.org.au
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Disability Advocate Coffs Harbour
Disability Advocacy NSW seeks an Advocate in Coffs Harbour. An Advocate acts to ensure that individuals with a disability are treated fairly. This is a new position in the region but the Advocate will have support from an established team in Newcastle. Requires relevant tertiary qualifications and disability experience. $38k + car & salary packaging. Applications close 23 July. Applicants must go to www.da.org.au or email da@da.org.au to obtain full details. Ph: 1300 365 085.
Mark Grierson - CEO/Advocate - Disability Advocacy NSW Inc.
S3/L1, 408 King St, Newcastle West, NSW, Australia , 2302.
Ph: 02 4927 0111 Mobile: 0411 209 302 Fax: 02 4927 0114
mark.grierson@da.org.au , www.da.org.au ABN: 93 984 383 421
Mark Grierson - CEO/Advocate - Disability Advocacy NSW Inc.
S3/L1, 408 King St, Newcastle West, NSW, Australia , 2302.
Ph: 02 4927 0111 Mobile: 0411 209 302 Fax: 02 4927 0114
mark.grierson@da.org.au , www.da.org.au ABN: 93 984 383 421
Friday, July 6, 2007
National Homeless Week
Hello Everyone
The Coffs Harbour Housing and Support Forum are conducting a BBQ for homeless persons during National Homeless Week which is between 5th -11th August 2007. The proposed date and time is:
Date: Wed 8th Aug 2007
Time: 12-3pm
This BBQ is aimed at raising awareness of difficulties faced by people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Coffs Harbour LGA. Brief ouline of this BBQ is:
BBQ for approx 100 people
Information table regarding services in Coffs Harbour
Aboriginal Didgeridoo presentation
Song/Dance Presentation
Guest Speakers
Face Painting
I was wondering whether your organisation would like to be involved in this event? Please mail/drop information about your agency in my office for the Agency Information Tables. Please contact myself or Michelle Stubbs at Dept of Housing on 66501333 for further information.
Thanks.
Meena Johnson
CoordinatorCoffs Harbour Accommodation Brokerage & Housing Support Service
P.O. Box 2523, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450Ph: (02) 6651 8336Fax: (02) 6651 6240
The Coffs Harbour Housing and Support Forum are conducting a BBQ for homeless persons during National Homeless Week which is between 5th -11th August 2007. The proposed date and time is:
Date: Wed 8th Aug 2007
Time: 12-3pm
This BBQ is aimed at raising awareness of difficulties faced by people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Coffs Harbour LGA. Brief ouline of this BBQ is:
BBQ for approx 100 people
Information table regarding services in Coffs Harbour
Aboriginal Didgeridoo presentation
Song/Dance Presentation
Guest Speakers
Face Painting
I was wondering whether your organisation would like to be involved in this event? Please mail/drop information about your agency in my office for the Agency Information Tables. Please contact myself or Michelle Stubbs at Dept of Housing on 66501333 for further information.
Thanks.
Meena Johnson
CoordinatorCoffs Harbour Accommodation Brokerage & Housing Support Service
P.O. Box 2523, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450Ph: (02) 6651 8336Fax: (02) 6651 6240
Alarming Development CSTDA
Dear All,
RE: Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement
Alarming developments in the vexed CSTDA negotiations:
Yesterday, Federal Minister Brough wrote to State & Territory Ministers withdrawing the offer of uncapped matched growth funding under a new CSTDA for all but 3 jurisdictions (ie WA, NT and ACT). The State Ministers were working towards the deadline of 25 July when Federal and State Ministers were to meet in Sydney. At this meeting the state Ministers were intending to continue negotiations towards a national agreement that included dollar for dollar matched funding for all states with expenditure on unmet need for supported accommodation and respite over the life of the next CSTDA. This was to be an “open chequebook” offer. Minister Brough has now withdrawn this offer without notice, except for the above jurisdictions.
Last week, the Prime Minister announced the Disability Assistance package of $1.8billion over five years. Mr Howard, in his announcement speech, clearly stated that this was IN ADDITION to the CSTDA. As you are aware, the NSW Stronger Together Package plus the new Commonwealth Disability Assistance Package will provide possibly 1200 new accommodation places (generous estimates) up to 2011. The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare conservatively estimates that NSW will need 7000 supported accommodation places during this time. We desperately need the CSTDA to address unmet need in this area.
Minister Keneally will be issuing a statement today based on her immediate response letter to Minister Brough.
NCOSS and 12 other NSW organisations had signed off on a position statement before Minister Brough’s announcement. We will be updating this and promoting this issue with you and your constituents shortly. Please consider being part of this very important issue.
Please forward this throughout your networks.
Christine Regan
Senior Policy Officer
NCOSS
RE: Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement
Alarming developments in the vexed CSTDA negotiations:
Yesterday, Federal Minister Brough wrote to State & Territory Ministers withdrawing the offer of uncapped matched growth funding under a new CSTDA for all but 3 jurisdictions (ie WA, NT and ACT). The State Ministers were working towards the deadline of 25 July when Federal and State Ministers were to meet in Sydney. At this meeting the state Ministers were intending to continue negotiations towards a national agreement that included dollar for dollar matched funding for all states with expenditure on unmet need for supported accommodation and respite over the life of the next CSTDA. This was to be an “open chequebook” offer. Minister Brough has now withdrawn this offer without notice, except for the above jurisdictions.
Last week, the Prime Minister announced the Disability Assistance package of $1.8billion over five years. Mr Howard, in his announcement speech, clearly stated that this was IN ADDITION to the CSTDA. As you are aware, the NSW Stronger Together Package plus the new Commonwealth Disability Assistance Package will provide possibly 1200 new accommodation places (generous estimates) up to 2011. The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare conservatively estimates that NSW will need 7000 supported accommodation places during this time. We desperately need the CSTDA to address unmet need in this area.
Minister Keneally will be issuing a statement today based on her immediate response letter to Minister Brough.
NCOSS and 12 other NSW organisations had signed off on a position statement before Minister Brough’s announcement. We will be updating this and promoting this issue with you and your constituents shortly. Please consider being part of this very important issue.
Please forward this throughout your networks.
Christine Regan
Senior Policy Officer
NCOSS
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